Weed profile: Cyperus
Cyperus
Cyperus
Cyperus teneristolon
There is no well-established common name for this species in Australia although 'cyperus' has been suggested. As many species share the common name cyperus, it has been decided to refer to the species here by its scientific name to prevent confusion.
C. teneristolon has become a significant weed of crops of the East African highlands, in particular Kenya.
Two other major weeds are closely related. They are C. rotundus (also known as 'nutgrass', 'nutsedge' and 'purple nutsedge') and C. esculentus (also known as 'yellow nutgrass' and 'nutsedge') which grows in sub-tropical areas.
As it is a weed in overseas agricultural areas with climatic and environmental conditions similar to those that occur in Australia, it is seen as a potential threat to Australia’s environment and agricultural productivity.
Status
- National Environmental Alert List weed (definition)