SafePlants

Cyperus flavidus

Also known as yellow flatsedge.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cyperus flavidus Retz.
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonyms:
  • Pycreus flavidus (Retz.) T.Koyama
  • Cyperus globosus All. non Forssk.
  • Cyperus bubanii Debeaux
  • Cyperus capillaris Koen. ex Roxb.
• Alternative Scientific Names: The text suggests a recent trend of "lumping" Pycreus with Cyperus, indicating ongoing taxonomic revisions.

Morphological Characteristics

• Weak annual, typically 10-60 cm high.
• Leaves are flaccid.
• Inflorescence is diffuse, with rays often as long as the stems.
• Stems are weak and angular.
• Spikelets are elliptical.
• Culms are trigonous (triangular in cross-section) and smooth, ranging from 5-60 cm high and 1-1.5 mm in diameter.
• Leaves are typically shorter or longer than the culms, mostly 1-2 mm wide and not septate-nodulose.

Distribution and Habitat

• The plant is found in Europe (as referenced by "Flora Europaea: Database of European Plants") and Catalonia, Spain, specifically in the northeastern regions.
• It's mentioned in the context of "Pradells teroftics de petites serranes," suggesting a habitat of small mountain ranges with temporarily moist, low-lying soils.

Ecological Role

• Related species, such as Cyperus iria (rice flatsedge), are noted as important and widespread weeds in South and Southeast Asia, suggesting that some members of the Cyperus genus can be invasive.

Additional Information

• Tropicos and the International Plant Names Index (IPNI) are referenced as resources for further information.
• The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is mentioned as the publisher of the "World Checklist of Cyperaceae."