Species Overview

Native to: Africa

Dwarf papyrus is commonly sold as an ornamental for use in water gardens, similar to papyrus (Cyperus papyrus L.), and false papyrus (Cyperus involucratus Poir.). This species spreads vegetatively, simply by leaning over. New daughter plants grow in the inflorescence; as the new shoots become heavier, the mother plant leans over, eventually reaching the mud whereupon the daughter plants attach, grow, and spread.

Species Characteristics

Family: Cyperaceae

Habit: Herbaceous perennial. Grows in tufts or clumps; rhizomatous. Culms (stalks/stems) are 20–100 cm (8–39 in) long by 2–6 mm (0.08–0.25 in) wide; soft, glabrous.

Leaves: Blades reduced to sheath.

Flowers: Inflorescence rays from 100–250 in number, 5–16 cm (2–6 in) long; spikelets 1–30, linear, ellipsoid, reddish brown.

Fruit: Achenes brown, obovoid (0.4 x 0.2 mm) surfaces finely reticulate (latticed).

Distribution in Florida: South and Central Florida

Impacts

Has been documented growing in floating mats and along margins of lakes in Central Florida.  As a FISC Category II species it has been noted as increasing in abundance and there is concern that it could start altering native plant communities. 

Do not plant.

Remove all plant material including roots.

No known biological control agents.

More research is needed, contact your local IFAS Extension office for assistance with management.