Bunchy sedge
Cyperus polystachyos, Fam. Cyperaceae
Perennial, rhizomatous sedge with smooth, erect, three-angled stems up to 60cm tall and 2mm wide.
| Weed Category: | |
| Weed: | No |
| Form or habit: | Sedges, Rushes and allies |
| Family: | Cyperaceae |
| Leaf: | Flat leaves, shorter than the stems, 1-4mm wide, glossy green. |
| Flower conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
| Flower colour: |
Red, Brown |
| Flower description: | Dense, sessile heads of spikes up to 2 x 1.5cm, or with a few rays up to 6cm long also bearing spikes. Spikes consist of numerous spikelets each of which has up to 30 florets. Glumes are up to 2mm long and have reddish or brownish grey sides. Flowers year round. |
| Fruit conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
| Fruit colour: |
Black, Brown |
| Fruit: | |
| Fruit description: | Nuts, oblong with a small beak, brown or black. |
| Habitat: | Wetland |
| Distribution | Queensland, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Melanesia, Asia, Pacific Islands, Africa, America. |
| Food source for: | |
| Toxicity: | No toxicity known |
| Origin: | Australia, Melanesia, Asia, Pacific Islands, Africa, America. |
| Notes: | Grows from seed or pieces of the rhizome. Useful in artificial wetlands for nutrient infiltration. |
| Information sources: | Melzer R. & Plumb J. (2007) Plants of Capricornia. |
