Cyperus nutans facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cyperus nutans |
|
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cyperus
|
| Species: |
nutans
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Cyperus bispicatus Steud. |
|
Cyperus nutans is a type of grass-like plant called a sedge. It belongs to the Cyperaceae family, which is a big group of plants often found in wet places. This plant grows naturally in Australia, China, India, and many parts of Southeast Asia.
Contents
About the Cyperus nutans Plant
What Does It Look Like?
This sedge is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years. It has rhizomes, which are underground stems that help it spread. The plant usually grows to be about 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) tall.
Its stems, called culms, are three-sided. They have sharp edges and sides that curve inward. These culms can be up to 100 cm (39 in) long and about 10 mm (0.39 in) wide. The leaves are usually shorter than the stems. They are typically between 6 to 12 mm (0.24 to 0.47 in) wide.
Flowers and Seeds
Cyperus nutans blooms between February and July. It produces brown flowers. Each flower cluster, called an inflorescence, has six to ten main branches. These branches can be up to 30 cm (12 in) long. The flower spikes are narrow and shaped like cylinders. They are about 2 to 3 cm (0.79 to 1.18 in) long and 5 mm (0.20 in) wide. After the plant flowers, it forms a dark brown nut. This nut is narrow and shaped like an oval or an upside-down egg.
Where Does It Grow?
You can find Cyperus nutans in northern and eastern Australia. It grows in coastal areas in states like New South Wales, Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia.
In Western Australia, it likes shady swamps and pools. It grows in the Kimberley region. Here, it prefers sandy-clay soils. In New South Wales, it is only found in the far northeastern part. It often grows along the banks of creeks there.
How Was It Discovered?
The plant was first officially described by a botanist named Martin Vahl. He wrote about it in 1805. This was part of his book called Enumeratio Plantarum. He described it from a plant sample collected in India.
There are only two known types of this plant. They are called Cyperus nutans subsp. nutans and Cyperus nutans var. nutans.
