Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Aquatic & Hydrophyte (Emergent Aquatic) |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Maximum Height | 0.4 m to 2 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Madagascar, Tropical & Subtropical Asia to West Pacific Islands |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Aquatic |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Critically Endangered (CR)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | This native sedge is an emergent aquatic plant which grows in dense clumps. |
|---|---|
| Roots | It has a large, securely anchored root system. |
| Stems | This species has thin, blue-green stems that taper to a point at the tip. |
| Flowers | Each stem has a pine cone-like inflorescence 2-3 cm below the stem tip. |
| Associated Fauna | The stems provide a place for emerging dragonflies to perch before taking flight. |
| Cultivation | It can grow aggressively and cover large areas of a landscape. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Others: The roots trap sediments in the water and absorb lead which accumulates in the plant tissues. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscape Uses | Phytoremediation (Ground / Water Contaminant(s)) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Black, Brown |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
|---|---|
| Fruit Type | Indehiscent Dry Fruit , Nut / Nutlet |
| Seed Quantity Per Fruit | Few (1-5) |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 30063 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 4372 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |