Family: Cyperaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Mant. Pl. 1: 28 (1767)
Year: 1767
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cyperus
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Trop. & S. Africa, Madagascar, Arabian Pen.
Description
The Umbrella sedge, scientifically known as Cyperus alternifolius, is a striking and versatile plant that belongs to the Cyperaceae family. Originally described in Mant. Pl. 1: 28 (1767) by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, it has since become a popular choice for both ornamental and practical purposes.
This resilient plant is native to the tropical and southern regions of Africa, including Madagascar and extending to the Arabian Peninsula. It thrives in these areas due to its adaptability to various environmental conditions. The Umbrella sedge is particularly well-suited to wetlands and riparian zones where it contributes to the stability of the ecosystem by preventing soil erosion and providing habitat for various forms of wildlife.
Characterized by its elegant, umbrella-like appearance, Cyperus alternifolius features long, slender stems that culminate in a radial arrangement of narrow, grass-like leaves. This unique structure not only gives the plant its common name but also makes it an attractive addition to ponds, water gardens, and indoor planters. Its verdant foliage creates visual interest, adding a touch of natural beauty to both outdoor landscapes and interior spaces.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the Umbrella sedge has practical applications. It is often used in phytoremediation projects to help clean water by absorbing pollutants, thanks to its robust root system. The plant also supports biodiversity by offering shelter and food for various insects and small aquatic creatures.
Cultivating Cyperus alternifolius is relatively straightforward, as it requires minimal maintenance. It flourishes in moist to wet soil conditions and prefers full sun to partial shade. When grown indoors, it should be placed in a well-lit area and kept consistently moist to ensure healthy growth.
In summary, the Umbrella sedge is a versatile and attractive plant with ecological and ornamental value. Its native range across tropical and southern Africa, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula underscores its adaptability and resilience. Whether used for beautifying garden spaces, enhancing indoor plant collections, or supporting environmental conservation efforts, Cyperus alternifolius is a remarkable species that continues to capture the interest of plant enthusiasts and ecologists alike.
Common Names
Ita: falso papiro
Fra: souchet
Por: cípero-de-jardim, erva-chapéu-de-sol, palmeira-umbela, papiro, papiro-anão, planta-umbela, sombrinha-chinesa
Spa: juncia, papir, papiro, paraguitas, paraigua, planta paraguas
Swe: parasollsäv
Eng: umbrella sedge
En: Umbrella sedge, Umbrella plant
Ar: سعد مظلي
Hy: Հովանոցային արմավենի
Zh: 光桿輪傘莎草, 野生风车草
Fr: Souchet
He: גומא תרבותי
Hu: Vízipálma
It: Falso papiro
Ne: छातामोथे
Fa: نخل مرداب
Pl: Cibora zmienna
Pt: Cípero-de-jardim, Erva-chapéu-de-sol, Palmeira-umbela, Papiro, Papiro-anão, Planta-umbela, Sombrinha-chinesa
Pt-br: Palmeira-umbela, Papiro-anão, Planta-umbela, Sombrinha-chinêsa
Es: Juncia, Papir, Papiro, Paraguitas, Paraigua, Planta paraguas
Sv: Parasollsäv
Zh-tw: 光桿輪傘莎草
Th: กกรังกา
Synonyms
- Eucyperus alternifolius ((L.) Rikli)
- Cyperus frondosus (Salisb.)
Distribution
- Angola (native)
- Benin (native)
- Botswana (native)
- Burundi (native)
- Cameroon (native)
- Cape Provinces (native)
- Chad (native)
- Congo (native)
- Djibouti (native)
- Eritrea (native)
- Ethiopia (native)
- Ghana (native)
- Guinea (native)
- Kenya (native)
- KwaZulu-Natal (native)
- Liberia (native)
- Madagascar (native)
- Malawi (native)
- Mauritania (native)
- Mozambique (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- Rwanda (native)
- Saudi Arabia (native)
- Senegal (native)
- Sierra Leone (native)
- Somalia (native)
- Sudan (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Uganda (native)
- Yemen (native)
- Zambia (native)
- Zaïre (native)
- Zimbabwe (native)
- Algeria (introduced)
- Azores (introduced)
- Bahamas (introduced)
- Baleares (introduced)
- Bangladesh (introduced)
- Bermuda (introduced)
- California (introduced)
- Canary Is. (introduced)
- Cape Verde (introduced)
- Caroline Is. (introduced)
- Chile North (introduced)
- China Southeast (introduced)
- Colombia (introduced)
- Comoros (introduced)
- Cook Is. (introduced)
- Corse (introduced)
- Costa Rica (introduced)
- Cuba (introduced)
- Dominican Republic (introduced)
- East Aegean Is. (introduced)
- East Himalaya (introduced)
- Egypt (introduced)
- Fiji (introduced)
- Florida (introduced)
- France (introduced)
- Galápagos (introduced)
- Haiti (introduced)
- Hawaii (introduced)
- Honduras (introduced)
- Italy (introduced)
- Jamaica (introduced)
- Jawa (introduced)
- Leeward Is. (introduced)
- Louisiana (introduced)
- Madeira (introduced)
- Marquesas (introduced)
- Mauritius (introduced)
- Mexico Central (introduced)
- Mexico Northeast (introduced)
- Mexico Northwest (introduced)
- Mexico Southeast (introduced)
- Mexico Southwest (introduced)
- Myanmar (introduced)
- Nansei-shoto (introduced)
- New Caledonia (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- New Zealand North (introduced)
- Norfolk Is. (introduced)
- Ogasawara-shoto (introduced)
- Pakistan (introduced)
- Palestine (introduced)
- Philippines (introduced)
- Portugal (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
- Réunion (introduced)
- Sardegna (introduced)
- Society Is. (introduced)
- Spain (introduced)
- Sri Lanka (introduced)
- St.Helena (introduced)
- Sumatera (introduced)
- Taiwan (introduced)
- Texas (introduced)
- Thailand (introduced)
- Tonga (introduced)
- Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
- Tunisia (introduced)
- Tuvalu (introduced)
- Venezuela (introduced)
- Venezuelan Antilles (introduced)
- Windward Is. (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Mar 16, 2018 by Lucas Lucas Ramos Aguiar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 23, 2021 by ALESSANDRA PERRUCCIO (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 24, 2018 by Rey Lambert (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 19, 2022 by oguzhandikmen18 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 19, 2022 by oguzhandikmen18 (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Oct 3, 2020 by Émile Maurice (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 26, 2020 by Shehadi Ramiz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 19, 2022 by KP Laer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 9, 2018 by Alberto Martín (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 1, 2021 by Medinka (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Mar 11, 2017 by zzonum (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 16, 2019 by mendoza pollete (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 4, 2019 by Michael Giraud (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 31, 2018 by Arshad Kazi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 25, 2017 by marina vargas (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Aug 30, 2021 by AI Barrett (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 4, 2022 by valencia sosa (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 27, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 3, 2016 by Eric Leeuwerck (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Fruit
Taken Jan 1, 2020 by Castillero José Daniel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 24, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 20, 2022 by sabine linke (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2022 by Lisa Ani (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 3, 2016 by Eric Leeuwerck (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 19, 2022 by oguzhandikmen18 (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2714156)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:303729-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cyperus alternifolius L.)