Family: Cyperaceae
Author: Rottb.
Bibliography: Descr. Icon. Rar. Pl.: 35 (1773)
Year: 1773
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cyperus
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America
Description
The Tropical flat sedge, scientifically known as Cyperus surinamensis, is a remarkable plant belonging to the Cyperaceae family. This species holds a significant place in the botanical descriptions and illustrations dating back to 1773, as documented in “Descr. Icon. Rar. Pl.” by the botanist Rottb.
Cyperus surinamensis is predominantly found across tropical and subtropical regions of America. It thrives in these climates due to the favorable warm and humid environmental conditions. This sedge species is recognized for its flat, grass-like appearance which aids in covering wetland areas, providing both soil stabilization and habitat for various wildlife species.
Characterized by its resilience and adaptability, the Tropical flat sedge is an essential component of the ecosystems within its native range. It often contributes to the biodiversity and ecological balance of wetlands, ponds, and other water-rich environments. Apart from its ecological importance, it may also serve as a source of study for botanists and ecologists seeking to understand plant adaptation and survival in tropical climates.
In summary, Cyperus surinamensis, with its broad presence in tropical and subtropical America, is much more than just a flat sedge. It represents an integral part of the natural landscape, offering ecological benefits and playing a vital role in the environment.
Common Names
Eng: tropical flat sedge, tropical flatsedge
En: Tropical flat sedge, Tropical flatsedge
Zh: 刺桿莎草, 苏里南莎草
Zh-tw: 刺桿莎草
Synonyms
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Bahamas (native)
- Belize (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Florida (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Uruguay (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
- Chagos Archipelago (introduced)
- Gabon (introduced)
- Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
- Ivory Coast (introduced)
- Malaya (introduced)
- Taiwan (introduced)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Jul 26, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 26, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 26, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 3, 2016 by EOL − Bob O’Kennon (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:306076-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2715295)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cyperus surinamensis Rottb.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Graminoid