Cyperus prolixus

Cyperus prolixus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Embryophytes
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Spermatophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Clade:	Commelinids
Order:	Poales
Family:	Cyperaceae
Genus:	Cyperus
Species:	C. prolixus
Binomial name
Cyperus prolixus Kunth
Synonyms1
Chlorocyperus prolixus (Kunth) Palla Comostemum prolixum (Kunth) Nees Comostemum schottii Nees Cyperus amplissimus Steud. Cyperus bisumbellatus Steud. Cyperus longeradiatus Steud. Cyperus multifolius Kunth Cyperus penicillatus Conz. Cyperus prolixus var. vialis (Ridl.) Kük. Cyperus schottii (Nees) D.Dietr. Cyperus vialis Ridl. Mariscus multifolius (Kunth) T.Koyama Mariscus polyphyllus Kunth

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

The species was first formally described by the botanist Carl Sigismund Kunth in 1816.¹

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

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