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Cyperus prolixus

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Cyperus prolixus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Cyperaceae
Genus: Cyperus
Species:
C. prolixus
Binomial name
Cyperus prolixus

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 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]

Description

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Cyperus prolixus is a perennial plant with a stout, erect rhizome. The culms are erect, trigonous, and 50-300 cm tall. The leaves are basal, V-shaped, and 40-130 cm long. The inflorescence is a compound umbel with 9-12 rays, each ray up to 22 cm long. The spikelets are linear, 7-12 mm long, and contain 6-20 flowers.[2]

Ecology

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Cyperus prot 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]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Cyperus prolixus Kunth". Kew Science - Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
  2. ^ a b Tucker, Gordon C.; Gandhi, Kanchi N. (2022-06-30). "Nomenclatural Notes on New World Cyperus (Cyperaceae)". Harvard Papers in Botany. 27 (1). doi:10.3100/hpib.v27iss1.2022.n14. ISSN 1043-4534.