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Latin American flatsedge
Scientific Name: Cyperus lentiginosus
Family: Cyperaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Cyperus lentiginosus - Latin American Flatsedge
Cyperus lentiginosus, commonly known as Latin American Flatsedge, is a perennial graminoid belonging to the Cyperaceae family.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant is a graminoid, which can be tempting for pets to chew on.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cyperus lentiginosus Millsp. & Chase
- Common Name: Latin American Flatsedge
- Family: Cyperaceae
- Rank: Species
- Synonyms: Cyperus Chase (implied)
- ITIS TSN: 501931
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to North America, specifically north of Mexico.
- Widely distributed from California to the entire east coast and south into Latin America.
- Also found in Hawaii.
- Found in wetlands.
- Not native to South Florida, but naturalized.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Duration: Perennial
- Growth Habit: Graminoid
Quirky Facts
- Another plant, Cyperus odoratus, is known as Coyolillo in Latin America and has a sweet smell. While this refers to a different species, it gives insight into the cultural significance of plants in the Cyperus genus in Latin America.
Ecological Role
- Some tuber-bearing Cyperus species, like purple nutsedge (C. rotundus), are considered invasive weeds in North America.
Related Species
- Le Conte's Flatsedge (Cyperus lecontei)
- Alabama Swamp Flatsedge (Cyperus ligularis)
- Coastal Plain Flatsedge (Cyperus cuspidatus)
- Fern Flatsedge (Cyperus filicinus)
- Cyperus alopecuroides (Foxtail Flatsedge)
- Cyperus articulatus Adrue, Jointed flatsedge, Guinea rush
- Cyperus diandrus Torr. umbrella flatsedge
- Cyperus difformis L.
Further Information
- Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cyperus lentiginosus.
- The Flora of North America may offer an illustration of this plant.