Cyperaceae FAMILY Least Concern

Cyperus articulatus

Edibility

2/5

Medicinal

4/5

Safety & Hazards

None known

Botanical Description

Cyperus articulatus is a perennial, grass-like plant producing stout culms 100 - 250cm tall from a long-creeping, thick rhizome[ 331 Title Flora of Guatemala Publication Author Standley P.C. & J. A. Steyermark Website http://www.archive.org/ Publisher Year 1946 - 1976 ISBN Description A superb reference, though somewhat dated. Gives lots of plant uses as well as information on plant habit and habitat. The entire flora (13 volumes) can now be downloaded from http://www.archive.org/ ]. Piripiri is a valued plant throughout its wide range, being valued especially for its aromatic rhizome, medicinal properties and as a source of materials for weaving, The native peoples of the Amazon ascribe magical properties to this plant and use it in many ways to bring good fortune. It is used in the herbal systems of many countries where it is particularly valued for its beneficial effect upon the digestive system. It is sometimes cultivated on a small scale and in gardens for the many uses of its rhizome, and is often sold in local markets[ 991 Title Cyperaceae of Economic, Ethnobotanical and Horticultural Importance: A Checklist Publication Kew Bulletin Vol. 56 No. 2, pp 257 - 360 Author Simpson D.A.; Inglis C.A. Publisher The Royal Botanic Gardens; Kew, London Year 2001 ISBN 1-84246-038-2 Description An excellent and very comprehensive checklist, giving the range, habitat and uses of over 500 species. ]. It has been suggested as suitable for cultivation on a commercial scale for use in soap making[ 332 Title The Useful Plants of West Tropical Africa. Publication Author Burkil. H. M. Publisher Royal Botanic Gardens; Kew. Year 1985 - 2004 ISBN Description Brief descriptions and details of the uses of over 4,000 plants. A superb, if terse, resource, it is also available electronically on the Web - see http://www.aluka.org/ ]. Cyperus articulatus is widespread with stable populations and does not face any major threats on a small scale and in gardens. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[ 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. ].

Habitat & Origin

Origintropical

Native RangeWidespread in warm temperate to tropical areas of the Americas, Africa through Arabia to India, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and northeast Australia.

HabitatDamp, marshy and flooded areas along the rivers and streams[ 318 Title Raintree Nutrition - Tropical Plant Database Publication Author Website http://www.rain-tree.com/plants.htm Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Detailed information on the medicinal uses of more than two hundred rainforest plants, mainly from S. America, with basic descriptions of the plants, their other uses etc. ]. Swamps or marshes, most often in shallow water at the margins of streams or lakes; usually near sea level but sometimes ascending to 1,500 metres[ 331 Title Flora of Guatemala Publication Author Standley P.C. & J. A. Steyermark Website http://www.archive.org/ Publisher Year 1946 - 1976 ISBN Description A superb reference, though somewhat dated. Gives lots of plant uses as well as information on plant habit and habitat. The entire flora (13 volumes) can now be downloaded from http://www.archive.org/ ].