Cyperus alternifolius

Cyperus alternifolius, with the common names of umbrella papyrus, umbrella sedge or umbrella palm, is a grass-like plant in the very large genus Cyperus of the sedge family, Cyperaceae.

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

The plant is native to Madagascar, one of the western Indian Ocean islands.

The subspecies Cyperus alternifolius ssp. flabelliformis is also known as Cyperus flabelliformis = Cyperus involucratus Rottb..[1] It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[2][3]

Cultivation
Potted, as an ornamental houseplant.

Cyperus alternifolius is frequently cultivated as an ornamental plant worldwide. It is planted in gardens in the ground, pots, and in ponds, and as a house plant. It is hardy to USDA Zones: 9a-11b.[4]

It is propagated by dividing the roots and requires copious amounts of water.[5]

The cultivar Cyperus alternifolius 'Variegatus' is grown for its variegated foliage and smaller size.[6]

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


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