Classification
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Cyperus eragrostis Lam. (1791)
Synonymy:
  • = Cyperus gracilis Buchanan, Trans. & Proc. Roy. Soc. New Zealand 3: 210 (1870 [1871]) nom. illeg.
  • Cyperus buchanii Kirk (1878) nom. illeg., non Cyperus gracilis R.Br. 1810
Vernacular Name(s):
Puketangata; Umbrella sedge
 Description

Rhizome short, thick, woody. Stems 25–90 cm high, stout, obtusely trigonous, smooth, leafy and ± thickened at base. Leaves usually < stems, 4–8 mm wide, flat, margins finely serrate; sheaths dark purple-brown. Involucral bracts 5–8, leaf like, unequal, often very much > inflorescence. Inflorescence a compound umbel, rather variable in size; rays 5–7–(9), of unequal length, each with a dense pale green to yellow-green globose or hemispherical spike at tip, 1–2 cm diam. Spikelets many, densely crowded, much compressed, ± 5–12 ×3 mm, ovoid-oblong, subacute. Glumes many, ± 2 mm long, densely imbricate, ovate, membranous, cells very distinct, whitish-cream to light brown, 1-distinct lateral nerve on each side, keel green, tip slightly recurved. Stamen 1. Style-branches 3. Nut ± ½ length of glume, trigonous, obovoid brown.

[From: Healy and Edgar (1980) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 3.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
 Bibliography
Buchanan, J. 1871 ("1870"): On some New Species and Varieties of New Zealand Plants. Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand 3: 208–212.
Howell, C. 2008: Consolidated list of environmental weeds in New Zealand. DOC Research & Development Series 292: 42.