Family: Cyperaceae
Author: Vahl
Bibliography: Enum. Pl. Obs. 2: 325 (1805)
Year: 1805
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cyperus
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America
Description
Pond flatsedge, known scientifically as Cyperus ochraceus, is a member of the Cyperaceae family. This species was first described in the botanical literature by the renowned botanist Vahl in the year 1805, as noted in “Enum. Pl. Obs. 2: 325.”
An indigenous plant of tropical and subtropical regions in the Americas, Cyperus ochraceus thrives in moist environments. These regions provide an ideal climate that supports the growth and proliferation of this hardy sedge.
Pond flatsedge characteristically displays the typical features of the Cyperus genus, including its grass-like appearance, slender, erect stems, and intricate inflorescences. Its natural habitat often includes wetlands and areas adjacent to bodies of water, such as ponds—hence its common name, pond flatsedge.
Botanically significant, pond flatsedge contributes to the ecological fabric of wetland ecosystems. It plays a role in stabilizing soil, managing water flow, and providing habitat for various forms of wildlife. This plant’s presence is indicative of healthy, functioning wetland ecosystems in the tropical and subtropical Americas.
Common Names
Eng: pond flatsedge
En: Pond flatsedge, Pond Flat Sedge
Synonyms
- Cyperus ochraceus var. excelsior (Kük.)
- Cyperus navicularis (Steud.)
- Cyperus ochraceus var. minor (Kük.)
- Cyperus bakeri (C.B.Clarke)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Bahamas (native)
- Belize (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (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)
- Panamá (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Texas (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
- Pennsylvania (introduced)
Additional Images
Other
Taken Mar 6, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 6, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 6, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 6, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2714772)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:305359-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cyperus ochraceus Vahl)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Graminoid