Cyperus compressus

Cyperus compressus, commonly known as annual sedge, is a sedge of the family Cyperaceae that has a wide distribution throughout countries with warmer climates. It is found in tropical areas of Africa, Asia and the Americas. In Europe it is commonly known as hedgehog sedge and the French know it as souchet comprimé. In India it is called mothi and in Japan it is known as kugugayatsuri.

Description

A sedge. It is a herb that grows each year from seed. It grows 3-27 cm high. It forms small tufts. The stem can be up to 2 mm across. It is sharply triangle shaped. The blades are up to 16 cm long and 2.5 mm wide. They can be flat or folded. The flowers are in a small cluster of spikes.

Edible Uses

The rhizomes are eaten both cooked and uncooked. Mainly seen as a food for times of shortage. We have no specific information for this species, but it is said that the inner base of the young stems of all species in this genus can be eaten raw, and make an excellent survival food in times of need.

Traditional Uses

The rhizome is eaten cooked or raw.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

The rhizomes have traditional uses in food and survival contexts.

Distribution

It grows throughout the tropics. It grows in savannah grasslands. It grows in the Himalayas up to 1,200 m altitude. It can grow in arid places. It grows in wet sandy places and paddy fields. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Where It Grows

Afghanistan, Africa, American Samoa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Belize, Bhutan, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Central Africa, Central America, China, East Africa, Fiji, Gabon, Guam, Guatemala, Guianas, Guinea, Guinée, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Kiribati, Laos, Madagascar, Marquesas, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, Nigeria, North America, Pacific, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Philippines, Rotuma, SE Asia, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South America, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wallis & Futuna, West Africa, West Indies, Zimbabwe,

Cultivation

Cyperus compressus is native through most of the tropics, extending into subtropical regions in regions such as N. America and eastern Asia. This plant forms stands in moist or wet sites. It is commonly found along riverbanks, lake margins, ponds and both permanent and seasonal pools. It also grows in roadside ditches and drainage trenches, in rice fields margins and on waste ground. It is considered a weed of cultivated and disturbed land in east Africa and Indian rice fields.

Other Uses

The plant is used to make essential oils. The rhizomes are used for scenting oil.

Other Information

It is a famine food.

Also Known As

Etipu, Pup, Tugulu, Wetlar-myet, Wetta-myet

References (9)

• Flora of Solomon Islands
• McClatchey, W., Thaman, R., & Vodonaivalu, S., 2000, A Preliminary Checklist of the Flora of Rotuma with Rotuman Names. Pacific Science (2000) Vol. 54, No. 4: 345-363
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (1999). Survey of Economic Plants for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (SEPASAL) database. Published on the Internet; http://www.rbgkew.org.uk/ceb/sepasal/internet [Accessed 16th April 2011]
• Simpson, D. A. & Inglis, C. A., 2001, Cyperaceae of Economic, Ethnobotanical and Horticultural Importance: A checklist. Kew Bulletin Vol. 56, No. 2 (2001), pp. 257-360
• Standley, P. & Steyermark, J., 1958, Flora of Guatemala. Fieldiana: Botany, Volume 24 part 1 p 120

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