Cyperus alternifolius

Cyperus alternifolius, the umbrella papyrus, umbrella sedge or umbrella palm, is a grass-like plant in the large genus Cyperus of the sedge family Cyperaceae. The plant is native to West Africa, Madagascar and the Arabian Peninsula, but widely distributed throughout the world.^[2] It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.^[3][4] The subspecies Cyperus alternifolius ssp. flabelliformis is also known as Cyperus involucratus Rottb..^[1]

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
Synonyms[1]
Cyperus alternifolius Baker Cyperus alternifolius var. albovariegatus auct. Cyperus alternifolius var. obtusangulum (Boeckeler) T.Koyama Cyperus alternifolius var. petersianus (Boeckeler) Kük. Cyperus flagellatus Hochst. Cyperus gradatus Forssk. Cyperus involucratus Rottb. Cyperus petersianus Boeckeler Cyperus proximus Steud.

Cultivation

Cyperus alternifolius is frequently cultivated as an ornamental plant worldwide. It is planted in gardens in the ground, pots, in ponds, and as a houseplant. It is not hardy, and requires protection when temperatures fall below 5 °C (41 °F)^[3] (USDA Zones: 9a–11b).^[5] It is propagated by dividing the roots or cutting off a top and placing it upside down in a glass of water. It requires copious moisture and can grow in a few inches of water.^[6] The cultivar Cyperus alternifolius 'Variegatus' is grown for its variegated foliage and smaller size.^[7]

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See also

• List of Cyperus species