Cyperus diffusus

Vahl.

Ilat, Rice sedge

CyperaceaeRoots

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What to Eat

Edible parts: Tubers, Root

We have no specific information for this species, but it is said that the inner base of the young stems of all species in this genus can be eaten raw, and make an excellent survival food in times of need.

Where to Find It

A tropical plant. In Java it grows up to 800 m above sea level. It is often in shade and near water.

Asia, Australia, Central America, Guatemala, Indonesia, Indochina, Laos, Myanmar, SE Asia, Slovenia,

Countries: United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Brunei, Bhutan, Belize, China, Costa Rica, Georgia, Guatemala, Honduras, Indonesia, Israel, India, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Cambodia, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Laos, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mongolia, Maldives, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Nepal, Oman, Panama, Philippines, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, El Salvador, Syria, Thailand, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen

How to Identify

A sedge. These grow in clumps and have grass like leaves and solid stalks. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 25-75 cm tall. The roots are reddish brown. The leaves grow from near the base. The flowers are in an irregular group with a ring of large leaf like bracts. These are unequal and can be 5-35 cm across. The fruit are 3 sided.

How to Grow

The plant prefers a position in full sun, but can tolerate some shade. The plant is often found growing in deep shade in the wild. Grows best in a moist to boggy soil, often found in the wild with its roots submerged in water.

Medicinal Uses

The roots are used as an antipyretic, antitussive, analgesic, cardiotonic, diuretic. The roots are used to treat diseased lips. The leaves are said to have antiseptic properties.

Wikipedia

Source ↗

Cyperus croceus is a species of sedge that is native to tropical and sub-tropical parts of Asia and Australia. The species was first formally described by the botanist Martin Vahl in 1805.

Notes

There are 550 Cyperus species. In Slovenia possibly in a hot house.

Names & Synonyms

Razprostrta ostrica, Wet-kyein, Wet-kyein-myet

Cyperus bancanus Miq. and several others

References (6)

Jones D, L, 1986, Ornamental Rainforest Plants in Australia, Reed Books, p 278
Ochse, J.J. et al, 1931, Vegetables of the Dutch East Indies. Asher reprint. p 217
Standley, P. & Steyermark, J., 1958, Flora of Guatemala. Fieldiana: Botany, Volume 24 part 1 p 120
Stephens, K.M., & Dowling, R.M., 2002, Wetland Plants of Queensland. A field guide. CSIRO p 19
Terra, G.J.A., 1973, Tropical Vegetables. Communication 54e Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, p 44
World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew