Cyperus prolixus is a species of sedge that is native to southern parts of North America, Central America and tropical parts of South America. It is a perennial plant that grows up to 2 meters tall. The leaves are long and narrow, and the flowers are small and white. Cyperus prolixus is found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, meadows, and roadsides. It is a common plant and is not considered to be threatened or endangered.[1]
| Cyperus prolixus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Cyperaceae |
| Genus: | Cyperus |
| Species: | C. prolixus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Cyperus prolixus | |
The species was first formally described by the botanist Carl Sigismund Kunth in 1816.[1]
Description
editCyperus prolixus is a perennial plant with a stout, erect rhizome. The culms are erect, trigonous, and 50-300 cm tall. The leaves are basal, V-shaped, and 40-130 cm long. The inflorescence is a compound umbel with 9-12 rays, each ray up to 22 cm long. The spikelets are linear, 7-12 mm long, and contain 6-20 flowers.[2]
Ecology
editCyperus prot is a pioneer species that often colonizes disturbed areas. The plant is pollinated by insects and the seeds are dispersed by wind. Cyperus prolixus is a food source for a variety of animals, including waterfowl, rodents, and insects.[2]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "Cyperus prolixus Kunth". Kew Science - Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
- ^ a b Tucker, Gordon C.; Gandhi, Kanchi N. (2022-06-30). "Nomenclatural Notes on New World Cyperus (Cyperaceae)". Harvard Papers in Botany. 27 (1). doi:10.3100/hpib.v27iss1.2022.n14. ISSN 1043-4534.