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Synonyms: |
Cyperus callistus Ridl. |
Common names: | Earth almond (English) Edible galingale (English) Water grass (English) Yellow nut-grass (English) Yellow nutsedge (English) |
Frequency: | |
Status: | Native |
Description: |
Stoloniferous perennial. Stolons to 15 cm, covered with scales and ending in a 3-8 mm tuber. Culms to 70 cm, triangular, glabrous. Inflorescence an anthela with 1 sessile and 3-10 stalked spikes. Spikelets 5-20 mm, brown. Glumes 2.2-2.6 mm, ovate-elliptic, reddish-brown. Style with 3 branches. Nutlet 1.3-1.5 mm, ellipsoid, triangular, grey, shiny. |
Notes: | |
Derivation of specific name: | esculentus: edible, referring to the tubers |
Habitat: | Weed of disturbed ground, roadsides and cultivated areas; also in vleis. |
Flowering time: | |
Worldwide distribution: | Widespread in Africa and Southern Europe. |
Growth form(s): | |
Endemic status: | |
Red data list status: | |
Insects associated with this species: | |
Spot characters: | Display spot characters for this species |
Literature: |
Bromilow, C. (2010). Problem Plants and Alien Weeds of South Africa Briza Publications, South Africa Pages 60 - 61. (Includes a picture). Burrows, J.E. & Willis, C.K. (eds) (2005). Plants of the Nyika Plateau Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report No. 31 SABONET, Pretoria Page 298. as Cyperus esculentus esculentus Chapano, C. & Mamuto, M. (2003). Plants of the Chimanimani District National Herbarium and Botanic Garden, Zimbabwe Page 19. As Cyperus esculentus esculentus Chapano, C. & Mugarisanwa, N.H. (2003). Plants of the Matobo District National Herbarium and Botanic Garden, Zimbabwe Page 12. As Cyperus esculentus esculentus Heath, A. & Heath, R. (2009). Field Guide to the Plants of Northern Botswana including the Okavango Delta Kew Publishing Page 532. (Includes a picture). Hoenselaar, K., Verdcourt, B. & Beentje, H.J. (2010). Cyperaceae Flora of Tropical East Africa Pages 227 - 229. (Includes a picture). Mapaura, A. & Timberlake, J. (eds) (2004). A checklist of Zimbabwean vascular plants Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report No. 33 Sabonet, Pretoria and Harare Page 87. Setshogo, M.P. (2005). Preliminary checklist of the plants of Botswana. Sabonet Report no. 37. Sabonet, Pretoria and Gaborone Page 118. Wild, H. (1955). Common Rhodesian Weeds Government of Rhodesia, Salisbury Page 8. (Includes a picture). |
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