Dirty Dora
Cyperus difformis, Fam. Cyperaceae
An annual sedge with small clumps of smooth, erect, three angled stems up to 3mm thick and 20-50cm in height.
| Weed Category: | |
| Weed: | No |
| Form or habit: | Sedges, Rushes and allies |
| Family: | Cyperaceae |
| Leaf: | Flat, shorter than or the same length as the stems, usually erect, 2-4mm wide, lime green. |
| Flower conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
| Flower colour: |
Brown |
| Flower description: | Five to nine peduncles bearing globose spikes about 1cm in diameter, subtended by two or three, leaf-like bracts of which the lowest one is much longer than the inflorescence. Spikelets are distinctive for their rich brown colour and pale, almost transparent margins. All year. |
| Fruit conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
| Fruit colour: |
Green, Yellow |
| Fruit: | |
| Fruit description: | Green yellow nuts, up to 0.9mm long, three angled. |
| Habitat: | Gallery (riverine or riparian) forest, wetland. |
| Distribution | Queensland, New South Wales, Northern Territory, South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia, New Guinea, Melanesia, Malesia, Asia, Pacific Islands, Africa. |
| Food source for: | |
| Toxicity: | No toxicity known |
| Origin: | Australia, New Guinea, Melanesia, Malesia, Asia, Pacific Islands, Africa. |
| Notes: | An attractive sedge for use around wetlands including for stabilisation and wastewater treatment. Suitable for shallow ponds or damp soil. It produces many viable seed that germinate readily. Whilst a native species and not a weed in most situations it can be a serious weed in rice crops. |
| Information sources: | Melzer R. & Plumb J. (2007) Plants of Capricornia. |
