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Dense Flat-sedge
Cyperus crassipes
SA tree number
English: Dense Flat-sedge, Clustered Flat-sedge, Short Sedge, Flat Sedge
S. Sotho: Qoqothoane
Historical scientific names: Cyperis brevis, Cyperus congestus var. brevis, Mariscus congestus var. brevis
Cyperus crassipes, commonly known as a type of flat-sedge, is a tufted, perennial herb that is often found stabilising coastal sands. It features smooth, triangular culms with ridged leaves and produces clusters of small brown spikelets.
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Distinguishing features
Grows as a tufted perennial sedge, reaching up to 1 metre in height.
Leaves are long and slender, typically 4 to 8 millimetres wide, with distinct ridges and a deep central depression.
Stems (culms) are smooth and triangular in cross-section, often showing a pink-red colour towards the base.
Inflorescences are composed of up to 20 small, red-brown spikelets, each measuring 10 to 28 mm in length.
Overall appearance:
Cyperus crassipes is a robust, tufted perennial sedge that forms dense clumps.
Height:
Typically grows to a height of up to 1 metre.
Leaves:
The leaves are 4 to 8 millimetres wide, ridged, and have a deep, sharp depression running down the middle.
Flowers:
Small, brown flowers appear in dense, globe-like clusters. The inflorescence consists of between two and seven clusters, each made up of up to 20 smaller red-brown spikelets that are 10 to 28 mm in length. Dioecious nature is not specifically noted.
Flowering season:
Flowers are produced between July and March in South Africa.
Fruits:
After flowering, it forms a trigonous (three-angled), dark brown-black nut. These nuts are approximately 1.5 mm long with a diameter of about 0.6 mm.
Seeds:
The plant forms trigonous dark brown-black nuts containing the seeds.
Stems:
The culms (stems) are smooth and triangular in cross-section, often displaying a pink-red colour towards the base.
Roots:
Features a short rhizome that connects individual plants, aiding in its spread and stability.
Soil type:
Thrives in well-drained, fertile soil, as well as damp soil and coastal sands.
Aspect:
Prefers coastal slopes and can be found in mangrove fringes.
Edibility:
Information regarding the edibility of Cyperus crassipes for human consumption is not available in the provided sources.
Toxicity:
Information regarding the toxicity of Cyperus crassipes is not available in the provided sources.
Uses:
This plant is a valuable natural sand stabiliser along much of the coastal fringe of eastern South Africa.
Ecology:
It plays a crucial role in coastal ecosystems by stabilising sand. Specific information on which birds, insects, or mammals it attracts was not found.
Distribution and habitat:
Cyperus crassipes is naturally found in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Western Cape provinces of South Africa. It typically inhabits terrestrial environments, including coastal sands, coastal slopes, and mangrove fringes. It is an African endemic with a north-western and eastern coastal distribution.
Derivation of name:
The plant you asked about, Cyperis brevis, is now accepted as a synonym of Cyperus crassipes.
The name "congestus" (from its former association with Cyperus congestus) is Latin for "crowded," likely referring to how the fruit is closely packed along the spikelet.
The specific epithet "crassipes" means "thick-footed" in Latin, referring to its somewhat thickened base or rhizome.
Historical aspects:
The reclassification from Cyperis brevis (and its varieties Cyperus congestus var. brevis and Mariscus congestus var. brevis) to Cyperus crassipes is a result of ongoing botanical research and reassessments of plant relationships and taxonomy. This ensures a more accurate and consistent classification within the plant kingdom.
Interesting facts
This humble sedge is a true unsung hero of South Africa's coastlines, working tirelessly to hold sandy soils together, which helps prevent erosion and protects precious habitats!
Even though it looks a bit like grass, it's actually a sedge, which means it has a different stem shape – triangular, rather than round or flat like most grasses.
Growing tips
This plant thrives in sandy or damp soils, making it suitable for coastal gardens or areas with consistent moisture.
Consider planting it in sunny or partially shaded spots, mimicking its natural coastal habitat.
It's an excellent choice for erosion control in your garden, especially on slopes or sandy areas, thanks to its strong rhizomatous root system.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
Kikuyu
Cenchrus clandestinus
Plant type:
Sedge, rhizomatous, herbaceous or perennial
Plant family:
Cyperaceae (Greek plant name) - Order: Poales