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Cyperus pedunculatus (R.Br) J.Kern

Family Name:	Cyperaceae
Synonyms:	Mariscus pedunculatus (R.Br.) T.Koyama, Remirea maritima Aubl., Remirea maritima var. pedunculata (R.Br.) Benth., Remirea pedunculata R.Br.

Cyperus pedunculatus is a low-growing, rhizomatous sedge that can be found on sandy seashores throughout the tropics, including Singapore. It has a spreading habit, forming rosettes of linear green leaves and a flowerhead of clustered spikelets.

Full Sun

Moderate Water

Native to Singapore

Coastal Plant

Grass or Grass-like Plant

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Name Status (botanical)
Synonyms
Comments
Species Summary

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division	Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon)
Plant Growth Form	Grass or Grass-like Plant (Sedge (Cyperaceae))
Lifespan (in Singapore)	Perennial

Mode of Nutrition	Autotrophic
Plant Shape	Grassy

Biogeography

Native Distribution	Pantropical
Native Habitat	Shoreline (Sandy Beach)
Preferred Climate Zone	Tropical

Local Conservation Status

Native to Singapore (Least Concern (LC))

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form	It is a rhizomatous, perennial sedge, often creeping.
Foliage	Its leaves are linear, reaching 3-8 cm long and 4-5 mm wide. The leaf sheaths are 1-1.5 cm long, light brown to reddish-brown.
Stems	It has an underground rhizome (horizontal modified stems).

Flowers	The flowers are called florets and consist of heavily reduced petals and sepals, three stamens, and three stigmas. The florets are clustered together, forming a spikelet, and arranged tightly in a head; this inflorescence is known as capitulum.
Fruit	The fruits are oblong nutlets (achenes in literature), trigonous (triangular in cross-section), and mature to greyish-brown.
Habitat	It can be found on sandy seashores, often growing in large colonies on the sides of dunes.
Etymology	The genus Cyperus is Greek name for a sedge. The specific epithet pendunculatus possibly refers to the habit of the creeping rhizomes as the inflorescence is not strictly pedunculate.

Landscaping Features

Landscape Uses	Coastal, Beachfront / Shoreline

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference	Full Sun
Water Preference	Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate	Fast to Moderate

Rootzone Tolerance	Saline Soils / Salt Spray, Well-Drained Soils
Propagation Method	Division, Stem Cutting

Foliar

Foliage Retention	Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s)	Green
Mature Foliage Texture(s)	Smooth

Foliar Type	Simple / Unifoliate
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem	Rosulate / Rosette
Foliar Attachment to Stem	Sessile
Foliar Shape(s)	Non-Palm Foliage (Linear)
Foliar Venation	Parallel
Foliar Margin	Entire
Foliar Apex - Tip	Acute
Foliar Base	Clasping

Non - Foliar and Storage

Root Type	Underground (Fibrous Root)

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower & Plant Sexuality	Bisexual Flowers
Flower Colour(s)	Cream / Off-White, Brown
Flower Texture(s)	Smooth

Flower Grouping	Cluster / Inflorescence
Flower Location	Terminal
Inflorescence Type	Head / Capitulum, Spikelet / Compound Spike
Ovary Position	Superior / Hypogynous
Flowering Habit	Polycarpic

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s)	Brown, Silver / Grey
Mature Fruit Texture(s)	Smooth
Fruit Classification	Simple Fruit

Fruit Type	Indehiscent Dry Fruit , Achene
Mature Seed Colour(s)	Brown, Silver / Grey
Mature Seed Texture(s)	Smooth
Seed Quantity Per Fruit	Few (1-5)

References

References	Simpson, D.A. (2019). Cyperaceae. Flora of Singapore, Volume 7. Singapore: National Parks Board. 37-211 pp.

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Master ID	34005
Species ID	8421
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.

Species record last updated on: 08 January 2025.