Umbrella sedge (Cyperus iria, Sp. Pl.: 45 (1753))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 45 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cyperus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. Old World to C. Asia

Description

The Umbrella Sedge, scientifically known as Cyperus iria, is a notable member of the Cyperaceae family. First described by the renowned botanist Linnaeus in 1753, this plant has since been widely studied and appreciated for its unique characteristics and adaptability.

Originating from tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World, the Umbrella Sedge has made its mark across diverse landscapes, extending its reach into Central Asia over time. This hardy plant thrives in a variety of conditions, often found in moist environments such as marshes, riverbanks, and wetlands.

Cyperus iria is easily recognizable by its lush, green foliage that radiates from a central point, akin to an umbrella—hence its common name. The plant’s slender, triangular stems support its inflorescence, typically comprising numerous small spikelets that form a dense, umbrella-like cluster. These inflorescences are crucial for the plant’s reproductive cycle, facilitating seed dispersal and propagation in favorable environments.

The Umbrella Sedge is not only appreciated for its aesthetic appeal but also for its ecological significance. It plays a vital role in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion in its natural habitat. Additionally, it serves as a habitat and food source for various wildlife species, contributing to the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits.

Despite its beneficial attributes, Cyperus iria is also considered a weed in certain agricultural settings due to its prolific growth and tendency to outcompete crops for resources. Managing its spread in such environments can be challenging, necessitating careful monitoring and control measures to balance its presence.

For botanists, ecologists, and plant enthusiasts, the Umbrella Sedge continues to be an intriguing subject of study, offering insights into plant adaptation, environmental interactions, and the intricate balance of natural ecosystems.

Common Names

Eng: ricefield flatsedge, grasshopper’s cyperus, rice flat sedge, umbrella sedge
En: Umbrella sedge, Grasshopper’s cyperus, Rice flat sedge, Ricefield flatsedge, Ricefield Flat Sedge, Iria Flatsedge, Rice-field flatsedge, Rice flatsedge
Az: İria topalağı
Zh: 具芒碎米莎草, 碎米莎草
Ko: 참방동사니
Pt-br: Junça, Junquinho, Tiririca, Três-quinas
Ru: Сыть ирия
Zh-tw: 碎米莎草
Th: หญ้ารังกาแก้ว

Synonyms

• Cyperus iria var. flavescens (Benth.)
• Cyperus iria var. paniciformis ((Franch. & Sav.) C.B.Clarke)
• Cyperus iria f. flavescens ((Benth.) Domin)
• Cyperus diaphaniria (Steud.)
• Cyperus santonici (Rottb.)
• Cyperus iria var. typicus (Domin)
• Cyperus nangtciangensis (Pamp.)
• Cyperus paniciformis (Franch. & Sav.)
• Cyperus iria var. santonici ((Rottb.) Fernald & Griscom)
• Cyperus panicoides (Lam.)
• Cyperus iria f. multiflora (Domin)
• Cyperus resinosus (Hochst. ex Steud.)
• Cyperus chrysomelinus (Link)
• Cyperus iria f. chrysomelinus ((Link) Kük.)
• Cyperus iria f. diaphaniria ((Steud.) Miq.)
• Chlorocyperus iria ((L.) Rikli)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Benin (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Botswana (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• Caroline Is. (native)
• Chad (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Comoros (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Eritrea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Gabon (native)
• Gambia (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Hainan (native)
• India (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• Japan (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Kazan-retto (native)
• Kenya (native)
• Korea (native)
• Laos (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Mali (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Marianas (native)
• Mauritania (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Namibia (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Nepal (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• New South Wales (native)
• Niger (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Northern Territory (native)
• Ogasawara-shoto (native)
• Oman (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Somalia (native)
• South Australia (native)
• South China Sea (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Swaziland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Western Australia (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Andaman Is. (introduced)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Argentina Northwest (introduced)
• Arkansas (introduced)
• Belize (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• Brazil North (introduced)
• Brazil Northeast (introduced)
• Brazil West-Central (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Chagos Archipelago (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Costa Rica (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Delaware (introduced)
• District of Columbia (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• Fiji (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Georgia (introduced)
• Honduras (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Kentucky (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Mexico Central (introduced)
• Mexico Gulf (introduced)
• Mexico Northwest (introduced)
• Mexico Southeast (introduced)
• Mexico Southwest (introduced)
• Mississippi (introduced)
• Missouri (introduced)
• Nauru (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Nicobar Is. (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Oklahoma (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Panamá (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Rodrigues (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• Tennessee (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• West Virginia (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jan 2, 2021 by Salahaudin Maili (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2021 by arif shaffiq (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2019 by João Ferreira Silva Junior (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2019 by Alphy Thomas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 5, 2019 by Marvin Romero (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 28, 2020 by Hazel Joy Pantorilla (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2020 by sophie swartzendruber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2019 by João Ferreira Silva Junior (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2019 by João Ferreira Silva Junior (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2019 by Cuevas de la Torre Erick Isahi (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 5, 2022 by 道草 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2014 by EOL − National Aquarium (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Aug 11, 2020 by Ken Borgfeldt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-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/2715729)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:304844-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cyperus iria L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Graminoid

Growth