Family: Cyperaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Syst. Nat. ed. 10. 2: 867 (1759)
Year: 1759
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cyperus
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America, Cape Verde to W. & WC. Trop. Africa, Mozambique, Comoros, Aldabra
Description
The Swamp flat sedge, scientifically noted as Cyperus ligularis, is a fascinating and versatile plant within the Cyperaceae family. Described in the landmark publication “Systema Naturae” by renowned botanist Carolus Linnaeus in the 10th edition of his work, this species was first classified in 1759.
Cyperus ligularis extends its presence across a diverse range of geographical regions. With its habitat spanning tropical and subtropical America, the Swamp flat sedge is also prevalent from the Cape Verde Islands and extends across the western and west-central tropics of Africa. Furthermore, it can be observed thriving in the wetlands and swampy areas of Mozambique, the Comoros, and the Aldabra atoll. This wide distribution underscores the plant’s adaptability to various climatic conditions and ecological environments.
The Swamp flat sedge thrives in wetland areas and is often found in swampy regions where it plays a crucial role in the ecosystem. As a member of the sedge family, Cyperaceae, it contributes significantly to the stabilization of soil and the reduction of soil erosion by anchoring itself deeply into the wetlands’ muddy terrain. Its presence in these regions ensures the provision of vital habitat and sustenance for local wildlife, supporting a variety of aquatic and semi-aquatic species.
This sedge features characteristic flat, grass-like blades that are robust yet flexible, enabling it to withstand both inundation and occasional dry spells. The adaptability of Cyperus ligularis to fluctuating water levels makes it an essential plant species within its habitats, contributing to the resilience and health of wetland ecosystems.
The history, ecological function, and broad geographic distribution of the Swamp flat sedge highlight its importance and the intricate role it plays in the natural world. Whether found in the wetlands of tropical America or the swampy terrains of the African tropics, Cyperus ligularis continues to be a vital component of the ecosystems it inhabits.
Common Names
Eng: alabama swamp flatsedge, swamp flat sedge
En: Swamp flat sedge, Alabama swamp flatsedge, Mangrove Flat Sedge
Synonyms
- Cyperus thyrsiflorus (Boeckeler)
- Cyperus dissolutus (Kunth)
- Cyperus trigonus (Boeckeler)
- Cyperus callophorus (G.Mey.)
- Cyperus ligularis var. spicatocapitatus ((Steud.) Kük.)
- Mariscus rufus (Kunth)
- Cyperus rionensis (Boeckeler)
- Cyperus punctatifolius (Steud.)
- Mariscus glandulosus (Bojer)
- Cyperus vulnerans (Salzm. ex Schltdl.)
- Cyperus glaucoviridis (Boeckeler)
- Mariscus coriaceus (G.Mey.)
- Cyperus spicatocapitatus (Steud.)
- Cyperus ubertus (Willd. ex Link)
- Cyperus coriaceus ((G.Mey.) Schrad. ex Nees)
- Cyperus sintenisii (Boeckeler)
- Cyperus glandulosus ((Bojer) Rolfe)
- Mariscus dissolutus ((Kunth) T.Koyama)
- Mariscus ligularis ((L.) Urb.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Aldabra (native)
- Aruba (native)
- Bahamas (native)
- Belize (native)
- Benin (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Cameroon (native)
- Cape Verde (native)
- Cayman Is. (native)
- Central American Pac (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Comoros (native)
- Congo (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Equatorial Guinea (native)
- Florida (native)
- Gabon (native)
- Galápagos (native)
- Gambia (native)
- Ghana (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guinea (native)
- Guinea-Bissau (native)
- Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Ivory Coast (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Liberia (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Mauritania (native)
- Mexican Pacific Is. (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Mozambique (native)
- Netherlands Antilles (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Senegal (native)
- Seychelles (native)
- Sierra Leone (native)
- Southwest Caribbean (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Togo (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Turks-Caicos Is. (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Venezuelan Antilles (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
- Zaïre (native)
- California (introduced)
- Chagos Archipelago (introduced)
- Marianas (introduced)
- Mauritius (introduced)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Daniel H. Janzen (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Daniel H. Janzen (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 1, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Oct 17, 2022 by Tharunoju Laxman kumar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 1, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 14, 2020 by abdoulaye sawadogo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 2019 by Rémy Ruiz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 3, 2022 by André Hyvrier (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.
Fruit
Taken Jun 13, 2021 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 26, 2020 by Palmeri Alberto (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Carrington, S. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Sep 17, 2020 by Yohan Bradshaw (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jan 3, 2021 by Flor Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 12, 2022 by cabana carlos manuel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 26, 2020 by Palmeri Alberto (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 27, 2021 by Kagayakashī mirai mirai (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2715068)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:305019-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cyperus ligularis L.)