Cyperus papyrus L.

Code

CYPPA

Growth form

Sedge

Biological cycle

Vivacious

Habitat

Marshland

Global description

Cyperus papyrus is a wetland big sedge. Some tall stems can grow up to 4 m tall. The roots are rhizomes. The stems of the inflorescences are smooth slightly trigones. Inflorescences in large umbels composed of several racemes, with very long bracts. Fine spikelets, orange-yellow to brown at maturity.

Cyperus papyrus is a vivacious species that is multiplied by rhizomes and seeds transported by wind and water. The mechanical work of the soil can favor the multiplication of the species.

New Caledonia: Cyperus papyrus is a plant of wetlands, it only grows if the soil is waterlogged.
Reunion Island: The plant grows in full sun, at the edge of a pond or on accumulations of alluvium in shallow flooded areas and in marshy areas (Etang de Saint Paul). It can also develop floating mats of greater or lesser size.

Origin

Cyperus papyrus is native to the White Nile Valley (Sudan and Egypt).

Worldwide distribution

The species has spread in West Africa, Central and Southern Africa to Madagascar and South Africa. It has been introduced in many regions of the world with a tropical, subtropical or Mediterranean climate, in Europe (Spain and Italy), the USA (California, Luisiana, Florida and Hawaii) in South America, Asia, Oceania and in Australia.

Local control

New Caledonia: The best prevention in wetland pastures is to maintain sufficient grass cover to hinder the germination and development of this sedge. Cyperus papyrus remains anyway infrequent and in the form of small stands restricted to hydromorphic areas difficult to exploit by livestock.
Zambia: Biocontrol programs are being developed with the toxin of the fungus Dactylaria higginsii [Pseudopyricularia higginsii] or by contamination of the fungus itself.

 

Herbarium pictures ReCOLNAT: https://explore.recolnat.org/search/botanique/simplequery=Cyperus%2520papyrus