Kyllinga pumila

Michx.

Cyperaceae Edible: Rhizome, Root, Rhizome - flavouring

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Description

An annual sedge. It is a herb that forms tufts. It has short underground stems or rhizomes. The stems are swollen at the base. They grow 30-40 cm high.

Edible Uses

The rhizome is chewed or used as a flavouring in food.

Traditional Uses

The rhizome is chewed or used as a flavouring.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It grows on the edge of pools of water. It grows in damp places in the savannah in West Africa.

Where It Grows

Africa, Argentina, Belize, Burkina Faso, Central America, French Guiana, Ghana, Guatemala, Guianas, Guinea, Guinée, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Mexico, Nigeria, North America, Panama, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, South America, Suriname, USA, Venezuela, West Africa,

Other Information

They are sold in markets.

Synonyms

Cyperus densicaespitosus (Ridl.) Mattf. & KukCyperus densicaespitosus var. major (Nees) KukCyperus tenuifolius (Steud.) DandyHedychloa fragrans Raf.Kyllinga blepharinota Hochst. ex Engl.Kyllinga caespitosa Neesand several others

Also Known As

Ayaa-ayaa, Burzu

References (3)

Burkill, H. M., 1985, The useful plants of west tropical Africa, Vol. 1. Kew. (As Kyllingia tenuifolia)
Seidemann J., 2005, World Spice Plants. Economic Usage, Botany, Taxonomy. Springer. p 193
Simpson, D. A. & Inglis, C. A., 2001, Cyperaceae of Economic, Ethnobotanical and Horticultural Importance: A checklist. Kew Bulletin Vol. 56, No. 2 (2001), p. 324