Roadside flat sedge (Cyperus sphacelatus, Descr. Icon. Rar. Pl.: 26 (1773))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: Rottb.

Bibliography: Descr. Icon. Rar. Pl.: 26 (1773)

Year: 1773

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cyperus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. America, Trop. Africa, Madagascar

Description

The Roadside Flat Sedge, scientifically known as Cyperus sphacelatus, is part of the Cyperaceae family. This intriguing plant can be found thriving in various tropical regions, specifically in Tropical America, Tropical Africa, and Madagascar, demonstrating its adaptability to diverse environmental conditions.

First described in 1773 in the publication “Descriptiones Icones Rariores Plantarum” by the botanist Rottbøll, Cyperus sphacelatus has since garnered attention for its unique characteristics and widespread occurrence. Typically found growing along roadsides, this species has become well-known for its resilience and ability to colonize disturbed habitats.

As a member of the sedge family, the Roadside Flat Sedge exhibits the common features of its relatives, including triangular stems and leaves arranged in ranks of three. However, what sets Cyperus sphacelatus apart is its flattened seed heads which contribute to its distinctive appearance and name. These seed heads are pivotal for reproduction and dispersal, enabling the plant to spread efficiently across a variety of landscapes.

In tropical ecosystems, Cyperus sphacelatus plays a critical role, contributing to soil stabilization and providing habitat and food for various wildlife. Its presence not only marks the natural beauty of these regions but also serves essential ecological functions.

In summary, the Roadside Flat Sedge (Cyperus sphacelatus) is a remarkable species known for its robustness and adaptability in tropical environments. Documented over two centuries ago, it continues to be a subject of interest and study, reflecting the enduring significance of this species in botanical research and its ecosystems.

Common Names

Eng: roadside flatsedge, roadside flat sedge
Spa: mandinga, piripiri
En: Roadside flat sedge, Roadside flatsedge
Es: Mandinga, Piripiri

Synonyms

• Cyperus duchaisingii (Steud.)
• Cyperus chromatolepis (Steud.)
• Cyperus balbisii (Kunth)
• Cyperus nemorosus (G.Mey.)

Distribution

• Angola (native)
• Benin (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Central African Repu (native)
• Central American Pac (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Congo (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• Equatorial Guinea (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Gabon (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Guinea (native)
• Guinea-Bissau (native)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Liberia (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Mali (native)
• Mauritania (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Sierra Leone (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Togo (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Bismarck Archipelago (introduced)
• Borneo (introduced)
• Chagos Archipelago (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Malaya (introduced)
• Marquesas (introduced)
• New Guinea (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• Sumatera (introduced)
• Thailand (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Aug 28, 2021 by Kranthi Kiran (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 4, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Chloe PIERRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 4, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Chloe PIERRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 4, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Chloe PIERRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2021 by irshad alam (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 8, 2021 by Narayanappa KGS (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 24, 2019 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 4, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Chloe PIERRE (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Feb 4, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Chloe PIERRE (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 4, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Chloe PIERRE (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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2715182)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:305967-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cyperus sphacelatus Rottb.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth