Cyperaceae

Cyperus esculentus

Common Names: Yellow nutgrass

Plant Form: Slender perennial sedge. Size: Up to 70 cm tall. Stem: Triangular, smooth but increasingly rough towards top. Leaves: Grass-like, glossy light green. V-shaped (in cross section) with finely serrated edges and a prominent mid-vein. Flowers: A cluster of yellowish brown spikelets which are on 3-9 flower stems. Fruit and Seeds: Yellowish brown seeds which are triangular. Habitat: Irrigated farmland, disturbed areas, Distinguishing Features: Very similar to Purple nutgrass (Cyperus rotundus) but has yellowish rather than purplish flowers.