Calingale (Cyperus odoratus, Sp. Pl.: 46 (1753))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 46 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cyperus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: New World, Trop. & Subtrop. Old World to Caucasus

Description

Calingale, scientifically known as Cyperus odoratus, is a well-regarded species within the extensive family Cyperaceae. First described in the seminal work “Species Plantarum” published in 1753 by the botanist Carl Linnaeus, its nomenclature and classification have resonated throughout botanical studies for centuries.

The Calingale finds itself at home across diverse climatic zones. It thrives predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions of the New World, extending its presence into the Old World, particularly reaching as far as the Caucasus region. This broad geographical distribution underscores its remarkable adaptability and resilience in varying environmental conditions.

Calingale is often recognized for its unique characteristics, which include its aromatic properties as captured in its scientific name, Cyperus odoratus, translating to “fragrant Cyperus.” This feature has contributed not only to its botanical interest but also to its uses in traditional practices and landscaping.

Growing as part of the sedge family, Cyperaceae, Calingale shares common traits with other sedges, such as grass-like leaves and a preference for wet habitats. It is frequently found in marshes, wetlands, and along stream banks, where humidity and moisture support its growth cycle.

For those interested in exploring or cultivating Cyperus odoratus, it offers both aesthetic and ecological value. Its role in ecosystem management, particularly in water bodies, can aid in soil stabilization and water purification, making it an environmentally beneficial plant. Despite its humble appearance, Calingale’s contributions, both ecological and cultural, are noteworthy, reflecting its enduring place in botanical history and study.

Common Names

Eng: calingale, fragrant flat sedge, fragrant flatsedge, rusty flat sedge, rusty flatsedge, fragrant cyperus, fragrant umbrella sedge, gates cyperus, scented flatsedge
Spa: zacate
Fra: souchet odorant
En: Calingale, Rusty flat sedge, Fragrant flat sedge, Fragrant flatsedge, Rusty Flatsedge, Gates cyperus, Fragrant cyperus, Fragrant umbrella sedge, Scented flatsedge
Ar: سعد (سِعْد، سَعْد)، ديس (دِيس), سمار (سَمار، سُمار)
Zh: 断节莎
Fr: Souchet odorant
He: גומא ריחני
Es: Zacate

Synonyms

• Papyrus odorata ((L.) Kunth)
• Diclidium odoratum ((L.) Schrad. ex Nees)
• Torulinium odoratum ((L.) S.S.Hooper)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Andaman Is. (native)
• Angola (native)
• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Aruba (native)
• Bahamas (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Belize (native)
• Benin (native)
• Bermuda (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• California (native)
• Caroline Is. (native)
• Cayman Is. (native)
• Central American Pac (native)
• Chile Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Christmas I. (native)
• Cocos (Keeling) Is. (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Congo (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Cook Is. (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Equatorial Guinea (native)
• Fiji (native)
• Florida (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Gabon (native)
• Galápagos (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Gilbert Is. (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Illinois (native)
• India (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Japan (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kazan-retto (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Korea (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Maine (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Marianas (native)
• Marquesas (native)
• Marshall Is. (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Mauritania (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Netherlands Antilles (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New South Wales (native)
• New York (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Nicobar Is. (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Ogasawara-shoto (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Peru (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Samoa (native)
• Senegal (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Tokelau-Manihiki (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Tuamotu (native)
• Tubuai Is. (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Wallis-Futuna Is. (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Bulgaria (introduced)
• Colorado (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Palestine (introduced)
• Romania (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Yugoslavia (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 7, 2021 by Court B (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 3, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 3, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 2, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 25, 2022 by aria salan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 2, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 3, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2021 by Court B (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2013 by Endemia – Jean-François Butaud (cc-by-nc)

Leaf

Taken Aug 7, 2021 by Court B (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2020 by Amy Per (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 11, 2020 by Paola Antón (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 28, 2020 by Marco Polo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2021 by De Castro Michael (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 Jul 18, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 10, 2014 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 18, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 10, 2014 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:74939-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2715219)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cyperus odoratus L.)

Specifications

Growth