Status:
valid
Authors:
R.Br.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1810
Citation Micro:
Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland. : 215 (1810)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000377752
Common Names
- Small-headed Cyperus
- Small-headed Umbrella Sedge
- Cyperus microcephalus
Description
Cyperus microcephalus (also called Microcephalus Cyperus, among many other common names) is a small shrub that grows up to 30 m tall. It is native to Central and South America, and is found in tropical and subtropical habitats.
Uses & Benefits
Cyperus microcephalus is used as an ornamental plant, as a source of nectar for bees, and as a medicinal plant for treating skin diseases and wounds.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Cyperus microcephalus sub. microcephalus
Cyperus microcephalus sub. chersophilus K.L.Wilson
Cyperus microcephalus sub. saxicola K.L.Wilson
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Cyperus microcephalus flowers are small, greenish-brown, and arranged in a spike-like inflorescence. The seeds are small, dark brown, and triangular in shape. The seedlings have a single leaf with a sheath at the base.
Cultivation and Propagation
Cyperus microcephalus is a perennial grass native to South America. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11 and prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Propagation is done by division or seed. Division should be done in spring or fall and the divisions should be planted in moist soil. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm, humid environment.
Where to Find Cyperus microcephalus
Cyperus microcephalus can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Cyperus microcephalus FAQ
What is the scientific name of Cyperus microcephalus?
Cyperus microcephalus
What is the common name of Cyperus microcephalus?
Small-flowered Cyperus
What is the natural habitat of Cyperus microcephalus?
Cyperus microcephalus is found in tropical and subtropical forests of Central and South America.
Species in the Cyperus genus
Cyperus acuminatus,
Cyperus acuticarinatus,
Cyperus aethiops,
Cyperus affinis,
Cyperus afroalpinus,
Cyperus afrodunensis,
Cyperus afroechinatus,
Cyperus afromontanus,
Cyperus afropumilus,
Cyperus afrovaricus,
Cyperus aggregatus,
Cyperus ajax,
Cyperus alatus,
Cyperus albiceps,
Cyperus albogracilis,
Cyperus albopilosus,
Cyperus albopurpureus,
Cyperus albosanguineus,
Cyperus albostriatus,
Cyperus albus,
Cyperus alleizettei,
Cyperus almensis,
Cyperus alopecuroides,
Cyperus alterniflorus,
Cyperus alternifolius,
Cyperus altochrysocephalus,
Cyperus altomicroglumis,
Cyperus altsonii,
Cyperus alulatus,
Cyperus amabilis,
Cyperus amauropus,
Cyperus amuricocompressus,
Cyperus amuricus,
Cyperus anderssonii,
Cyperus angolensis,
Cyperus angustatus,
Cyperus anisitsii,
Cyperus ankaizinensis,
Cyperus ankaratrensis,
Cyperus antillanus,
Cyperus appendiculatus,
Cyperus aquatilis,
Cyperus arenarius,
Cyperus armstrongii,
Cyperus aromaticus,
Cyperus arsenei,
Cyperus articulatus,
Cyperus aschenbornianus,
Cyperus assimilis,
Cyperus astartodes,
Species in the Cyperaceae family
Abildgaardia mexicana,
Abildgaardia ovata,
Abildgaardia schoenoides,
Abildgaardia triflora,
Abildgaardia oxystachya,
Abildgaardia odontocarpa,
Abildgaardia macrantha,
Abildgaardia fusiformis,
Abildgaardia pachyptera,
Actinoschoenus repens,
Actinoschoenus yunnanensis,
Actinoschoenus aphyllus,
Actinoscirpus grossus,
Afrotrilepis jaegeri,
Afrotrilepis pilosa,
Amphiscirpus nevadensis,
Arthrostylis aphylla,
Arthrostylis planiculmis,
Becquerelia clarkei,
Becquerelia cymosa,
Becquerelia discolor,
Becquerelia merkeliana,
Becquerelia muricata,
Becquerelia tuberculata,
Bisboeckelera irrigua,
Bisboeckelera longifolia,
Bisboeckelera microcephala,
Bisboeckelera vinacea,
Blysmus compressus,
Blysmus mongolicola,
Blysmus rufus,
Blysmus sinocompressus,
Bolboschoenoplectus mariqueter,
Bolboschoenus caldwellii,
Bolboschoenus capensis,
Bolboschoenus fluviatilis,
Bolboschoenus glaucus,
Bolboschoenus grandispicus,
Bolboschoenus laticarpus,
Bolboschoenus maritimus,
Bolboschoenus medianus,
Bolboschoenus nobilis,
Bolboschoenus novae-angliae,
Bolboschoenus planiculmis,
Bolboschoenus robustus,
Bolboschoenus schmidii,
Bolboschoenus stagnicola,
Bolboschoenus yagara,
Bolboschoenus koshevnikovii,
Bolboschoenus biconcavus,
References
POWO record for urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:305178-1: Govaerts R (ed.). 2023. WCVP: World Checklist of Vascular Plants [Version 11]. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. [WWW document] URL http://sftp.kew.org/pub/data-repositories/WCVP/ [accessed 20 April 2023].