Cyperus laevigatus
L.
Smooth flatsedge
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iNaturalist· cc0
no rights reserved
iNaturalist· cc0
no rights reserved
Summary
Source: WikipediaCyperus laevigatus is a species of sedge known by the common name smooth flatsedge.
Description
A sedge. It grows 60 cm high. It keeps growing from year to year and can form clumps connected by an underground stem. The flowering shoot has a small array of cylinder shaped spikelets.
Edible Uses
The plant is burnt for salt. No further details are given, but the general process is to burn the dried plant then percolate water through the ashes to dissolve out the salts. The water is then evaporated to leave behind the salts.
Medicinal Uses
The rhizomes are diuretic. A paste made from the rhizome is taken as a remedy for kidney problems.
Distribution
It is widespread in the tropics and subtropics. It is often near salty areas and hot springs. It can grow in salty and alkaline soils. In Argentina it grows between sea level and 1,000 m above sea level.
Where It Grows
Africa, Argentina, Australia, Botswana, Central America, Central Asia, Chile, East Africa, Fiji, Hawaii, India, Kenya, Kiribati, Madagascar, Micronesia, Mozambique, Pacific, Pakistan, Rotuma, St Helena, St. Kitts and Nevis, South America, Sudan, Tajikistan, Uganda, USA, Zimbabwe,
Cultivation
Requires a sunny position.
Other Uses
The culms are used for matting and to make various items including hats, cloaks, loincloths and string.
Also Known As
Sirabozaka, Te maunei
References (4)
- Flora of Pakistan. www.eFloras.org
- 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
- 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
- Thaman, R. R., 1987, Plants of Kiribati: A listing and analysis of vernacular names. Atoll Research Bulletin No. 296
