Cyperus prolixus
Species of plant native to the Americas
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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 (6 ft 7 in) 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 | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
The species was first formally described by the botanist Carl Sigismund Kunth in 1816.[1]
Description
Cyperus prolixus is a perennial plant with a stout, erect rhizome. The culms are erect, trigonous, and 50–300 cm (20–120 in) tall. The leaves are basal, V-shaped, and 40–130 cm (16–51 in) long. The inflorescence is a compound umbel with 9–12 rays, each ray up to 22 cm (8.7 in) long. The spikelets are linear, 7–12 mm long, and contain 6–20 flowers.[2]
Ecology
Cyperus prolixus 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]