Inflated-scale flat sedge (Cyperus aggregatus, Cat. Horti Vindob. 1: 93 (1842))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: (Willd.) Endl.

Bibliography: Cat. Horti Vindob. 1: 93 (1842)

Year: 1842

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cyperus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America

Description

Cyperus aggregatus, commonly known as the Inflated-scale flat sedge, is a unique species belonging to the Cyperaceae family. This plant was first described and classified in the 19th century, with its detailed characterization appearing in Cat. Horti Vindob. in 1842 under the authorship of botanist Endlicher, who built upon the initial classification by Willdenow.

The Inflated-scale flat sedge thrives primarily in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. Known for its distinctive morphology, Cyperus aggregatus features notably inflated scales, which have become a key characteristic in identifying the species. This adaptation is hypothesized to play a role in its reproductive strategy, perhaps aiding in the dissemination of seeds.

A versatile and resilient species, the Inflated-scale flat sedge is typically found in a variety of moist habitats, ranging from marshes and riverbanks to damp meadows and the edges of wetlands. Its presence is a testament to the biodiversity found within these ecosystems, underscoring the ecological importance of sedges in maintaining the health and stability of their environments.

Botanically, Cyperus aggregatus contributes to the rich tapestry of plant life in tropical and subtropical America, offering vital services such as soil stabilization and habitat formation for various forms of wildlife. For botanists and ecologists, the study of this species offers insights into plant adaptations and interactions within dynamic and often challenging ecosystems.

In summary, the Inflated-scale flat sedge, or Cyperus aggregatus, is a distinguished member of the Cyperaceae family, noted for its unique inflated scales and its widespread presence in tropical and subtropical American habitats. This sedge continues to be a significant subject of study, revealing much about plant ecology and adaptation in diverse climatic regions.

Common Names

Eng: inflatedscale flatsedge, inflated-scale flat sedge
En: Inflated-scale flat sedge, Inflatedscale flatsedge, Inflated-scale flatsedge, Cayenne Cyperus, Yellowish Nutsedge
Fr: Souchet

Synonyms

• Cyperus flavus var. aggregatus ((Willd.) Kük.)
• Mariscus aggregatus (Willd.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Central American Pac (native)
• Chile North (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (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)
• New Mexico (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Texas (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• France (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)

Additional Images

© 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.

Flower

Taken Jan 3, 2009 by EOL − John Tann (cc-by)

Taken Oct 1, 2021 by FCC2017 (cc-by-sa)

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

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

Taken Mar 19, 2022 by Gonçalves da Cunha Lucas (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 22, 2022 by Natalia Gomez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2022 by Jessyka Bedia (cc-by-sa)

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

Habit

Taken Jul 10, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 19, 2022 by Gonçalves da Cunha Lucas (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 10, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 1, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 1, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 1, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 1, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2713662)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:303704-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cyperus aggregatus (Willd.) Endl.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth