Cyperus prolifer Lam.
miniature papyrus
Miniature papyrus: a medium-sized sedge with round, fluffy heads for pond edges.
What’s in the name: Cyperus: the ancient Greek name for sedges; prolifer: "producing offspring", for the plantlets on the heads.
“The highest excellence is like (that of) water.”
— Lao Tzu (tr. James Legge), Tao Te Ching ch. 8 – Tao Te Ching, tr. James Legge (1891), Project Gutenberg
Available from AVNPlants: see the availability list.
Family
Cyperaceae
Conservation status
Least Concern, SANBI Red List of South African Plants
Natural distribution & habitat
East coast of Africa from Kenya to KwaZulu-Natal, just reaching the Eastern Cape at Mkambati; also Madagascar and the Mascarenes. Freshwater swamps and watercourses in mud or shallow water.
Size & form
Stems up to about 1.2 m, usually less, topped by a sphere of fine rays 10–15 cm across tipped with brown spikelets.
Flowering
Summer.
Uses in landscaping
- Pond margins and water features in full sun
Care notes
Full sun in sandy or muddy soil at the water's edge, in water no deeper than about 10 cm. Divide the rhizome.
Wildlife value
Wind-pollinated.
Find out more
Facts checked against: SANBI PlantZAfrica species page 'Cyperus prolifer'; SANBI Red List of South African Plants, Cyperus prolifer Lam. (assessment 2006/05/17).