Cyperus alternifolius
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Cyperaceae
Genus: Cyperus
Species:
C. alternifolius
Binomial name
Cyperus alternifolius
Rottb., 1772
Synonyms[1]
  • Cyperus alternifolius Baker
  • Cyperus alternifolius var. albovariegatus auct.
  • Cyperus alternifolius var. obtusangulum (Boeckeler) T.Koyama
  • Cyperus alternifolius var. petersianus (Boeckeler) Kük.
  • Cyperus flagellatus Hochst.
  • Cyperus gradatus Forssk.
  • Cyperus involucratus Rottb.
  • Cyperus petersianus Boeckeler
  • Cyperus proximus Steud.

Cyperus alternifolius, the umbrella papyrus, umbrella sedge or umbrella palm, is a grass-like plant in the large genus Cyperus of the sedge family Cyperaceae. The plant is native to West Africa, Madagascar and the Arabian Peninsula, but widely distributed throughout the world.[2] It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[3][4] The subspecies Cyperus alternifolius ssp. flabelliformis is also known as Cyperus involucratus Rottb..[1]

Cultivation

Cyperus alternifolius is frequently cultivated as an ornamental plant worldwide. It is planted in gardens in the ground, pots, in ponds, and as a houseplant. It is not hardy, and requires protection when temperatures fall below 5 °C (41 °F)[3] (USDA Zones: 9a–11b).[5] It is propagated by dividing the roots and requires copious amounts of water.[6] The cultivar Cyperus alternifolius 'Variegatus' is grown for its variegated foliage and smaller size.[7]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Kew; et al. "Cyperus alternifolius". The Plant List. Retrieved January 23, 2013.
  2. ^ "Cyperus alternifolius". Plants of the World Online (POWO). Kew Science. Retrieved 6 March 2021.
  3. ^ a b "Cyperus involucratus". RHS. Retrieved 1 October 2020.
  4. ^ "AGM Plants March 2020 © RHS – ORNAMENTAL" (PDF). rhs.org.uk. The Royal Horticultural Society. March 2020. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  5. ^ "Graceful Grasses® Baby Tut® - Umbrella Grass - Cyperus involucratus". Proven Winners. Retrieved September 22, 2019.
  6. ^ Pink, Alfred (April 1, 2004). Gardening for the Million. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.
  7. ^ "Cyperus alternifolius Variegatus". Missouri Botanical Garden.org. Retrieved January 23, 2013.

External links

Taxon identifiers
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