Family: Cyperaceae
Author: Michx.
Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 28 (1803)
Year: 1803
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cyperus
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America
Description
The Green Flatsedge, known scientifically as Cyperus virens, is a notable member of the Cyperaceae family, a group characterized by grass-like, flowering plants commonly referred to as sedges. This species was first described by the botanist André Michaux in his seminal work, Flora Boreali-Americana, published in 1803.
Cyperus virens thrives predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions across the Americas. This plant is typically found in moist, often marshy environments where it benefits from ample water supply. As a resilient species, the Green Flatsedge adapts well to various habitat conditions, making it a common presence in wetland areas, along riverbanks, and in other humid locales.
The Green Flatsedge is distinguished by its vibrant green foliage, forming dense clumps of narrow, grass-like leaves. During its blooming period, the plant produces small, delicate flowers clustered in spikelets, which are integral for its reproductive cycle. These spikelets are arranged in a manner unique to the Cyperaceae family, contributing both to the plant’s aesthetic appeal and its ecological role in its native habitats.
The role of Cyperus virens in its ecosystem is multifaceted. It provides essential cover and habitat for various wildlife species, including insects, amphibians, and birds, which rely on such vegetation for shelter and nesting. Additionally, its presence in wetlands plays a crucial role in soil stabilization and water filtration, aiding in the maintenance of healthy aquatic ecosystems.
Cyperus virens is an interesting and ecologically significant species, appreciated for both its botanical characteristics and its contributions to the environments in which it is found. Its broad distribution across tropical and subtropical America underscores its adaptability and ecological importance, making it a subject of interest for botanists and environmental scientists alike.
Common Names
Eng: green flatsedge
En: Green flatsedge, Green Flat Sedge
Synonyms
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Chile Central (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Texas (native)
- Uruguay (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- California (introduced)
- Hawaii (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jul 19, 2022 by Tharunoju Laxman kumar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 19, 2022 by Tharunoju Laxman kumar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 23, 2021 by Juan Carlos Ordonez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 2, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 19, 2022 by Tharunoju Laxman kumar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 2, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 17, 2022 by #MaryKingfishers MK (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 22, 2022 by cedric verlynde (cc-by-sa)
© 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:306303-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2716420)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cyperus virens Michx.)
