About Cyperus difformis L.
Cyperus difformis L. is a species of sedge that has several common names: variable flatsedge, smallflower umbrella-sedge, and rice sedge. It is native to southern Europe, most of Africa, most of Asia, and Australia, and has become naturalized in other regions across the globe, including large portions of the Americas. This plant grows in aquatic and moist habitats. It occurs as a weed in rice fields, but it is not typically a troublesome weed. It is an annual herb that produces one to many thin, soft erect stems, with a maximum height of over 30 centimeters. A few long, wispy leaves usually grow around the base of the plant. Its inflorescence is a rounded cluster 1 to 3 centimeters wide, which holds up to 120 long spikelets. Each spikelet is partially or entirely covered by up to 30 bracted flowers. The flowers are light brown with darker brown areas, and sometimes have a yellowish or purplish tint.
