Javanese flatsedge (Cyperus javanicus, Nat. Hist. 2(13): 67 (1782))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: Houtt.

Bibliography: Nat. Hist. 2(13): 67 (1782)

Year: 1782

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cyperus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Indian Ocean, Trop. & Subtrop. Asia to Pacific

Description

Javanese flatsedge, known scientifically as Cyperus javanicus, is a remarkable plant species belonging to the Cyperaceae family. This fascinating flora was first documented in the late 18th century, with its earliest known citation appearing in Nat. Hist. 2(13): 67 (1782), credited to the botanist Houtt.

This species exhibits an impressive distribution across the Indian Ocean and extends through tropical and subtropical regions of Asia all the way to the Pacific. The Javanese flatsedge thrives in these diverse climates, adapting well to their unique environmental conditions and showcasing the plant’s robust nature.

An essential component of many ecosystems, Cyperus javanicus plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance. Its presence is particularly significant in wetland areas, where it helps in soil stabilization and provides habitat for various forms of wildlife. With its distinctive flat-sedge appearance, it is not only a functional plant but also contributes to the biodiversity and visual appeal of its native regions.

Understanding the distribution and ecological contributions of the Javanese flatsedge enriches our knowledge of the intricate relationships within these ecosystems. This species exemplifies the beauty and resilience of nature, thriving across vast and varying geographical locations from the Indian Ocean to the expansive Pacific.

Common Names

Msa: beluntas
Eng: javanese flatsedge
En: Javanese flatsedge, Javanese Flat Sedge
Zh: 羽状穗砖子苗
Ms: Beluntas
To: Mahelehele

Synonyms

• Cyperus parviflorus (Vahl)
• Cyperus owahuensis (Nees)
• Cyperus firmus (J.Presl & C.Presl)
• Cyperus fucatus (Boeckeler)
• Cyperus macreilema (Steud. ex Jard.)
• Cyperus canescens (Vahl)
• Cyperus tongatabuensis (Boeckeler)
• Cyperus caricifolius (Hook. & Arn.)
• Cyperus holciflorus (J.Presl & C.Presl)
• Cyperus valdiviae (Steud.)
• Cyperus stigmatosus (Steud.)
• Duval-jouvea pennata ((Lam.) Palla)
• Cyperus stuppeus (G.Forst.)
• Cyperus taitensis (Steud.)
• Cyperus spongiosocoriaceus (Boeckeler)
• Mariscus stuppeus ((G.Forst.) Merr.)
• Mariscus albescens (Gaudich.)
• Cyperus pinnatus (A.Rich.)
• Cyperus anomalus (Steud.)
• Mariscus pennatus ((Lam.) Domin)

Distribution

• Andaman Is. (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Bismarck Archipelago (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• Caroline Is. (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Christmas I. (native)
• Cocos (Keeling) Is. (native)
• Cook Is. (native)
• Fiji (native)
• Gilbert Is. (native)
• Hainan (native)
• Hawaii (native)
• India (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Kazan-retto (native)
• Laccadive Is. (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Line Is. (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Maldives (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Marianas (native)
• Marquesas (native)
• Marshall Is. (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Nauru (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Nicobar Is. (native)
• Northern Territory (native)
• Ogasawara-shoto (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Phoenix Is. (native)
• Pitcairn Is. (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Samoa (native)
• Seychelles (native)
• Society Is. (native)
• South China Sea (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Tokelau-Manihiki (native)
• Tonga (native)
• Tuamotu (native)
• Tubuai Is. (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Wallis-Futuna Is. (native)
• Western Australia (native)
• Niue (introduced)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken May 21, 2011 by EOL − David Eickhoff (cc-by)

Taken May 21, 2011 by EOL − David Eickhoff (cc-by)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − W. L. Wagner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − W. L. Wagner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − W. L. Wagner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Flower

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Kristen Van Neste (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)

Taken Sep 16, 2022 by Gustiro Adhim Puja Utama (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 16, 2022 by Gustiro Adhim Puja Utama (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 10, 2022 by yuriza miradefi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2022 by Kenji Liu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2022 by eugenie chons (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − W. L. Wagner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Kukenthal G, 1935-36 (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − K. R. Wood (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/2713705)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:304865-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cyperus javanicus Houtt.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth