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Cyperus rotundus
  • Nut Grass

a perennial member of the Cyperus genus in the family Cyperaceae.

248px
Niche
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The ecosystem niches for this plant are unknown. Do you know them? Click the edit button to add them!
Functions
  • None
    None
    There are no functions defined for this plant. Do you know of some? Click the edit button to add them!
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • no shade
    No shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementshigh
    High
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral,alkaline
    Unknown
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Loamy
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • ?
    Unknown
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Cyperus rotundus has 0 edible uses listed
Cyperus rotundus has 0 material uses listed
Cyperus rotundus has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Edible uses

Notes

Tuber - raw or cooked[1][2][3][4][5]. A very strong flavour when freshly harvested, said to resemble 'Vick's VapoRub', the tubers become milder if they are allowed to dry[4]. A pleasant nutty flavour according to another report[6] whilst another says that the roots are very unpalatable raw and a little better but still not very palatable when cooked[7]. The dried roots can be ground into a powder and used as a cereal[8]. Seed. A famine food, used when all else fails[9]. It is very small and would be fiddly to use[K].

Root

Unknown use

Seed

Unknown use

Material uses

The leaves are used in basketry and for weaving hats, matting etc[10]. The aromatic root is used for perfumery in India[11][12][13]. When dried and ground into a fine powder it is used like talcum powder[14].

Unknown part

Essential
Weaving

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Nut grass is a pungent bitter-sweet herb that relieves spasms and pain, acting mainly on the digestive system and uterus[15]. The roots and tubers are analgesic, antibacterial, antispasmodic, antitussive, aromatic, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, litholytic, sedative, skin, stimulant, stomachic, tonic and vermifuge[16][13][17][18][19][20][15][21][22]. They are used internally in the treatment of digestive problems and menstrual complaints[15]. They are commonly combined with black pepper (Piper nigrum) in the treatment of stomachaches[5]. The roots are harvested in the summer or winter and are dried for later use[15].

An essential oil in the tubers has antibiotic activity and has been shown to arrest the growth of Micrococcus pyrogenes[21]. The plant is rated 8th amongst 250 potential antifertility plants in China[20].

The plant is used in the treatment of cervical cancer[20].

Unknown part

Analgesic
Antibacterial
Antibiotic
Antispasmodic
Antitussive
Aromatic
Astringent
Carminative
Contraceptive
Diaphoretic
Diuretic
Emmenagogue
Lithontripic
Sedative
Skin
Stimulant
Stomachic
Tonic
Vermifuge

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in the spring and keep the compost moist[23]. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 6 weeks at 18°c[23]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Grow on for their first winter in a greenhouse and plant them out in late spring after the last expected frosts. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Cyperus rotundus. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Prefers a moist sandy loam[6][24] and a sunny position[15].

We do not know how hardy this plant will be in Britain, one report says that it is frost-tender[15], but it is found growing wild in areas of N. America that do experience frost[25].

This plant is sometimes cultivated for its edible tubers in Tropical regions[26], however it is a serious weed of agricultural land in the tropics where it spreads rapidly at the roots[12] and is considered to be one of the world's most damaging weeds[27][15]. It is subject to statutory control in several countries[15].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Cyperus rotundus. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Cyperus rotundus.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Cyperus rotundus
Genus
Cyperus
Family
Cyperaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]
Medicinal uses
[15][16][13][17][18][19][20][21][22][5]
Material uses & Functions
[10][11][12][13][14]
Botanic
[25][28][27]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
?
Heat Zone
?
Water
high
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    perennial
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    0.6 x 1 meters
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    ?
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type
    hermaphrodite

    "image:Nutgrass Cyperus rotundus flower head.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Nutgrass Cyperus rotundus flower head.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Nutgrass Cyperus rotundus flower head.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Nutgrass Cyperus rotundus flower head.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Nutgrass Cyperus rotundus flower head.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Nutgrass Cyperus rotundus flower head.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Nutgrass Cyperus rotundus flower head.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Nutgrass Cyperus rotundus flower head.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Nutgrass Cyperus rotundus flower head.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Nutgrass Cyperus rotundus flower head.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Nutgrass Cyperus rotundus flower head.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Nutgrass Cyperus rotundus flower head.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






    References

    1. ? 1.01.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.1 Harrington. H. D. Edible Native Plants of the Rocky Mountains. University of New Mexico Press ISBN 0-8623-0343-9 (1967-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.1 Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing (1976-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.2 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.25.3 Manandhar. N. P. Plants and People of Nepal Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-527-6 (2002-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.2 Saunders. C. F. Edible and Useful Wild Plants of the United States and Canada. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-23310-3 (1976-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.1 Cribb. A. B. and J. W. Wild Food in Australia. Fontana ISBN 0-00-634436-4 (1976-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.1 Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-453-9 (1998-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.1 Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books ISBN 3874292169 (1984-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.1 Stuart. Rev. G. A. Chinese Materia Medica. Taipei. Southern Materials Centre ()
    11. ? 11.011.1 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
    12. ? 12.012.112.2 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    13. ? 13.013.113.213.3 Singh. Dr. G. and Kachroo. Prof. Dr. P. Forest Flora of Srinagar. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh (1976-00-00)
    14. ? 14.014.1 Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. ISBN 0-7090-5440-8 (1994-00-00)
    15. ? 15.015.115.215.315.415.515.615.715.8 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    16. ? 16.016.1 Brooklyn Botanic Garden Oriental Herbs and Vegetables, Vol 39 No. 2. Brooklyn Botanic Garden (1986-00-00)
    17. ? 17.017.1 ? A Barefoot Doctors Manual. Running Press ISBN 0-914294-92-X ()
    18. ? 18.018.1 Lassak. E. V. and McCarthy. T. Australian Medicinal Plants. ()
    19. ? 19.019.1 Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles (1985-00-00)
    20. ? 20.020.120.220.3 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
    21. ? 21.021.121.2 Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. (1986-00-00)
    22. ? 22.022.1 Medicinal Plants in the Republic of Korea World Health Organisation, Manila ISBN 92 9061 120 0 (1998-00-00)
    23. ? 23.023.1 Bird. R. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 4. Thompson and Morgan. (1990-00-00)
    24. ? Rosengarten. jnr. F. The Book of Edible Nuts. Walker & Co. ISBN 0802707699 (1984-00-00)
    25. ? 25.025.1 Fernald. M. L. Gray's Manual of Botany. American Book Co. (1950-00-00)
    26. ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    27. ? 27.027.1 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    28. ? Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named PFAFimport-50

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    Facts about "Cyperus rotundus"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familyCyperaceae +
    Belongs to genusCyperus +
    Has common nameNut Grass +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has edible partRoot + and Seeds +
    Has edible useUnknown use +
    Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
    Has imageNutgrass Cyperus rotundus flower head.jpg +
    Has lifecycle typePerennial +
    Has material partUnknown part +
    Has material useEssential + and Weaving +
    Has mature height0.6 +
    Has mature width1 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useAnalgesic +, Antibacterial +, Antibiotic +, Antispasmodic +, Antitussive +, Aromatic +, Astringent +, Carminative +, Contraceptive +, Diaphoretic +, Diuretic +, Emmenagogue +, Lithontripic +, Sedative +, Skin +, Stimulant +, Stomachic +, Tonic + and Vermifuge +
    Has primary imageNutgrass Cyperus rotundus flower head.jpg +
    Has search namecyperus rotundus + and x +
    Has shade toleranceNo shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
    Has soil teloamyture preferenceLoamy +
    Has soil tesandyture preferenceSandy +
    Has sun preferenceFull sun +
    Has taxonomy nameCyperus rotundus +
    Has water requirementshigh +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +