Cyperus alternifolius

Cyperus alternifolius
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Clade:	Commelinids
Order:	Poales
Family:	Cyperaceae
Genus:	Cyperus
Species:	C. alternifolius
Binomial name
Cyperus alternifolius Rottb., 1772
Synonyms[1]
Cyperus alternifolius Baker Cyperus alternifolius var. albovariegatus auct. Cyperus alternifolius var. obtusangulum (Boeckeler) T.Koyama Cyperus alternifolius var. petersianus (Boeckeler) Kük. Cyperus flagellatus Hochst. Cyperus gradatus Forssk. Cyperus involucratus Rottb. Cyperus petersianus Boeckeler Cyperus proximus Steud.

Cyperus alternifolius, the umbrella papyrus, umbrella sedge or umbrella palm, is a grass-like plant in the large genus Cyperus of the sedge family Cyperaceae. The plant is native to West Africa, Madagascar and the Arabian Peninsula, but widely distributed throughout the world.[2] It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[3][4] The subspecies Cyperus alternifolius ssp. flabelliformis is also known as Cyperus involucratus Rottb..[1]

Cultivation

Cyperus alternifolius is frequently cultivated as an ornamental plant worldwide. It is planted in gardens in the ground, pots, in ponds, and as a houseplant. It is not hardy, and requires protection when temperatures fall below 5 °C (41 °F)[3] (USDA Zones: 9a–11b).[5] It is propagated by dividing the roots or cutting off a top and placing it upside down in a glass of water. It requires copious moisture and can grow in a few inches of water.[6] The cultivar Cyperus alternifolius 'Variegatus' is grown for its variegated foliage and smaller size.[7]

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See also

• List of Cyperus species

References

1. Kew; et al. "Cyperus alternifolius". The Plant List. Retrieved January 23, 2013.
2. "Cyperus alternifolius". Plants of the World Online (POWO). Kew Science. Retrieved 6 March 2021.
3. "Cyperus involucratus". RHS. Retrieved 1 October 2020.
4. "AGM Plants March 2020 © RHS – ORNAMENTAL" (PDF). rhs.org.uk. The Royal Horticultural Society. March 2020. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
5. "Graceful Grasses® Baby Tut® - Umbrella Grass - Cyperus involucratus". Proven Winners. Retrieved September 22, 2019.
6. Pink, Alfred (April 1, 2004). Gardening for the Million. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.
7. "Cyperus alternifolius Variegatus". Missouri Botanical Garden.org. Retrieved January 23, 2013.

External links

• Media related to Cyperus alternifolius at Wikimedia Commons