About Cyperus laevigatus L.
Cyperus laevigatus L. is a perennial sedge that grows up to 60 centimeters tall. It sometimes forms clumps that are interconnected via a horizontal rhizome. Its inflorescence is a small cluster of cylindrical spikelets, with one to three leaf-like bracts at the base. The spikelets range in color from green to reddish to dark brown. Cyperus laevigatus grows in wet areas, particularly brackish water, wet alkaline soils, mineral-rich hot springs, and other moist saline and alkaline habitats. It is widespread across tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East, India, Central Asia, Australia, and various oceanic islands. In coastal marshes of Oahu, caterpillars of the tiny moth Chedra microstigma have been found mining within the leaves of this host plant.
