Scientific name: Cyperus polystachyos Rottb.

Common name:Bunchy sedge

Family: Cyperaceae

Origin:

Native of Australia.

Habit:

Perennial grass-like herb with stiff yellow-green leaves shorter than the stems which can be up to 60 cm tall, roots are fibrous.

Habitat:

Although native to Australia it is considered a widespread weed, usually on drier sandy soils.

General description:

Stems and leaves

Stems are smooth, 3-angled erect 5-60 cm long and 1-2 mm wide. Leaves are less than 60 cm long, 1-4 mm wide.

Flowers and fruit

The inflorescence is an irregular cluster of brownish linear-ovate spikes, 0.5 x 1.5 x 0.2 cm, with 3-6 green bracts underneath, carried on a 3-angled stalk up to 60 cm tall. Seeds are 1 mm long, oblong with a ‘beak’ at the apex.

Distinguishing characteristics:

A stiff-leaved grass-like plant C. polystachyos (bunchy sedge) looks like C. rotundus (nut grass) except for the irregular bunched up inflorescence which is quite different from the stalked reddish-brown inflorescence of the latter.

Noxious status:

Not noxious.

Sources:

Kleinschmidt, H.E., Holland, A. and Simpson, P. (1996). Suburban Weeds. 3rd Edition. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane.

Stanley, T.E. and Ross, E.M. (1983-1989). Flora of South-eastern Queensland. Volume 3. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane.

Friend, E. (1983). Queensland Weed Seeds. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane.

Anonymous. (1994). Queensland Vacsular Plants: Names and Distribution. Queensland Herbarium, Brisbane.