Pond flatsedge (Cyperus ochraceus, Enum. Pl. Obs. 2: 325 (1805))

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

Growth