Family: Cyperaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 45 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cyperus
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Africa, Europe to Indian Subcontinent
Description
Sweet cyperus, scientifically known as Cyperus longus, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Cyperaceae family. First described in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum,” this plant has since been recognized for its distinctive qualities and widespread distribution.
Sweet cyperus is primarily found across diverse regions, including Africa, Europe, and the Indian Subcontinent. Its adaptability to various climates and conditions underscores its resilience and ecological versatility. Typically thriving in wetland areas, this species can often be seen flourishing near streams, marshes, and other moist environments, where it contributes to the biodiversity and stability of the ecosystem.
The plant is characterized by its long, slender leaves and tall, erect stems, which can reach significant heights. These stems culminate in intricate, umbrella-like clusters of flowers, giving it a graceful appearance. During blooming, Sweet cyperus adorns its surroundings with delicate, brownish spikelets that further enhance its aesthetic appeal.
Sweet cyperus also holds cultural significance in various indigenous practices. In certain communities, parts of the plant are utilized for medicinal purposes, leveraging its natural properties for health benefits. Additionally, the fibrous nature of the stems makes them suitable for weaving and crafting in traditional artisanal methods.
Ecologically, Cyperus longus plays a vital role in wetland habitats, aiding in soil stabilization through its extensive root systems and providing shelter and food for numerous wildlife species. Its ability to grow in and around water bodies also helps in maintaining water quality and preventing erosion.
In conclusion, Sweet cyperus (Cyperus longus) is not only a plant of ecological and aesthetic value but also one with a rich historical and cultural backdrop. Its widespread presence from Africa and Europe to the Indian Subcontinent highlights its importance and the versatile roles it plays in various natural and human contexts.
Common Names
Deu: hohes zypergras, langes zypergras
Dan: smalbladet fladaks, smalbladet papyrus, fladaks
Por: albafor
Swe: dammag
Eng: galingale, sweet cyperus, sweet galingale
Spa: juncia, juncia larga, juncia loca, juncia olorosa
Fra: souchet odorant, souchet long
Nld: rood cypergras
Cym: ysnoden fair
Ara: سعد خشن
En: Sweet cyperus, Sweet galingale, Galingale, English Galingale
Ar: سعد طويل, سعد خشن
Az: Lölə salaməleyküm
Ca: Jonça de cordellar, Serrana de fulla llarga
Cs: Šáchor dlouhý
Da: Smalbladet fladaks, Smalbladet papyrus, Fladaks
Nl: Rood cypergras
Fi: Sukkulasädekaisla
Fr: Souchet odorant, Souchet Long, Souchet allongé, Trianglé
De: Langes Zypergras, Hohes Zypergras, Langästiges Cypergras
He: גומא ארוך
It: Quadrelli, Zigolo comune
Pt: Albafor
Ru: Сыть длинная
Es: Juncia, Juncia larga, Juncia loca, Juncia olorosa
Sv: Dammag
Uk: Смикавець довгий
Cy: Ysnoden Fair
Synonyms
- Eucyperus longus ((L.) Rikli)
- Chlorocyperus longus ((L.) Palla)
- Pycreus longus ((L.) Hayek)
Distribution
- Afghanistan (native)
- Albania (native)
- Algeria (native)
- Angola (native)
- Austria (native)
- Azores (native)
- Baleares (native)
- Bangladesh (native)
- Belgium (native)
- Benin (native)
- Botswana (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Burkina (native)
- Cameroon (native)
- Canary Is. (native)
- Cape Provinces (native)
- Cape Verde (native)
- Caprivi Strip (native)
- Central African Repu (native)
- Chad (native)
- Corse (native)
- Cyprus (native)
- Djibouti (native)
- East Aegean Is. (native)
- Egypt (native)
- Ethiopia (native)
- France (native)
- Free State (native)
- Germany (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hungary (native)
- India (native)
- Iran (native)
- Iraq (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kazakhstan (native)
- Kenya (native)
- Kirgizstan (native)
- Kriti (native)
- Krym (native)
- KwaZulu-Natal (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Lesotho (native)
- Madagascar (native)
- Madeira (native)
- Mali (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Mozambique (native)
- Namibia (native)
- Nepal (native)
- Niger (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- Northern Provinces (native)
- Oman (native)
- Pakistan (native)
- Palestine (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Romania (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Saudi Arabia (native)
- Senegal (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Socotra (native)
- Somalia (native)
- South European Russi (native)
- Spain (native)
- Sudan (native)
- Swaziland (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Tadzhikistan (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Togo (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Tunisia (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Turkmenistan (native)
- Uganda (native)
- Uzbekistan (native)
- Western Sahara (native)
- Yemen (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Zambia (native)
- Zimbabwe (native)
- Tristan da Cunha (introduced)
- Western Australia (introduced)
Additional Images
Bark
Taken Jul 9, 2022 by randovu (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 26, 2017 by Jose Luis Romero (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 18, 2022 by Alona T (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 13, 2019 by joselu_4 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 7, 2018 by Jean-Michel Faton (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jun 11, 2020 by Juliette Prior (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 10, 2019 by kique95 kique (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 30, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 6, 2022 by Alain Camoin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 9, 2022 by Akhil Bandhu Konar (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jun 23, 2021 by Maxime Dépinoy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 30, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 30, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 4, 2020 by Gabriella Gabriella (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 4, 2020 by Gabriella Gabriella (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 30, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 30, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 30, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 18, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 18, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 18, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 23, 2021 by antonio maffei (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 23, 2021 by antonio maffei (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.
Other
Taken Sep 26, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 26, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Emmanuel STRATMAINS (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 26, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Emmanuel STRATMAINS (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 7, 2012 by Tela Botanica − André MORIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:330932-2)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8243603)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cyperus longus L.)