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Cyperus alopecuroides

Rottb.

Mat sedge

Cyperaceae Edible: Tubers, Oil, Bulb, Vegetable, Root 94 iNaturalist observations

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(c) Tony Benn, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Tony Benn

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(c) James K. Wetterer, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

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Cyperus alopecuroides, commonly known as the foxtail flatsedge, is a sedge of the family Cyperaceae that is native to parts of Africa, Asia and Australia.

Description

A temperate sedge in the Cyperaceae family, cultivated for its edible tubers, roots, and bulbs.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

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.

Medicinal Uses

The leaves are considered to be antibiotic and its pastes are applied externally in the treatment of cutaneous affections.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Africa, Europe, North America, South Africa, Turkey, Türkiye, USA,

Cultivation

Requires a moist to wet soil. Tolerant of saline soils.

Propagation

Seed - Division.

Other Uses

The stems are used for weaving mats. The mats have various uses, including as a packing material for transporting plates made from leaves. The culms are used for matting and rush-bottomed chairs. The inflorescence stalk and leaves are used to make mats that are used in Hindu marriage and thread ceremonies. The dried leaves and stems are used for thatching houses and sheds. :The plant is used in Egypt in projects for the reclamation of saline land.

Other Information

It is cultivated.

Synonyms

Cyperus glomeratus Willd.and several others

Also Known As

Gecebiten

References (2)

  • Ertug, F, Yenen Bitkiler. Resimli Türkiye Florası -I- Flora of Turkey - Ethnobotany supplement (As Cyperus glomeratus)
  • Zeven, A. C. & de West, J. M. J., 1982, Dictionary of cultivated plants and their regions of diversity. Wageningen. p 108

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