Cyperus albostriatus

Cyperus albostriatus

Quantity:

Common Names

Forest Star Sedge, White-striped Sedge (english)
Taone (sesotho)
ingawane ephakathi (zulu)

Taxonomy

Family CYPERACEAE
Genus Cyperus
Species albostriatus
SA Plant Number
Basionym Cyperus albostriatus

Description

Cyperus albostriatus is a hardy, evergreen sedge with its tuft of basal leaves. The bare stem carries a terminal umbrella of what look like bright-green, grass-like leaves with a faint white stripe.

These are actually bracts from which the flowers are borne. A spray of delicate green flowers that turn brown when mature, are borne from July to May.

Used traditionally to make mats. Plant alongside pools and ponds where it will add delicacy and texture.

Use as a pretty indoor plant as well. It is a good plant to include in grey-water filtering systems. The Forest Sedge is a shade-loving groundcover that can tolerate the dry shade under trees. It is a vigorous grower and should be thinned out every now and again.

Size: 30 to 50cm

Wildlife

Birds:

Good nesting material for birds.

Uses

Traditional uses:

Used traditionally to weave mats from.

Landscaping:

A versatile plant. Use in grey water systems to filter water, as a fast growing groundcover for shady areas and is a good indoor container plant.

Distribution

Limpopo, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape


Biome:
Forest

Natural Habitat:

Amongst rocks in forest and woodland

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