Cyperus esculentus L.
Family: Cyperaceae
Pertinent Synonyms & Notes (particularly those used in California; go to GRIN for other synonyms)
none
Pertinent Common Names (particularly those used in California; go to GRIN for other common names)
yellow nutsedge
Primary Disseminule Type
spikelet, fruit
Description (diagnostics are in brown)
Spikelet linear to linear-lanceoloid, compressed-quadrangular, (5)10–20(55) mm long x (1.2)1.4–2(3) mm wide, consisting of up to 40 florets.
Floral bracts ovate-lanceolate, 1.8–2.7(3.4) mm long, apex obtuse to subacute, straw-colored to dark brown, scarcely keeled, distinctly veined, persistent.
Fruit an achene (seldom maturing), not stalked, elliptic to obovate-oblong in outline, cross-section trigonous (each side concave), (1.1)1.3–1.5(2) mm long x 0.3–0.7(0.8) mm wide. Surface glabrous, shiny, a silvery, semi-transparent, honeycombed layer covering a dark brown puncticulate layer. Apex obtuse, often with stylar remnant.
Similar Species
Risk Assessment (codes in yellow or red indicate cause for concern; assessments are current as of mid-2011; click AUQP, NZBORIC, or NZBPI for access to the most recent versions of these databases and possible assessment changes)
AUQP, NZBORIC, NZBPI