Cyperus esculentus L.

Rhizomes weak, filiform, terminated by hard tubers. Stems to 40 cm high, 3-angled, leafy and ± bulbous at base. Leaves < or > stems, 3–8 mm wide, flat, pale green, margins recurved, scabrid; sheaths reddish-brown. Involucral bracts 4–6, leaf-like, lowest 1–2 > inflorescence. Inflorescence yellow-brown, a simple to compound umbel; rays c. 6, unequal, longest to 10 cm. Spikelets ± 10–15 × 2 mm, linear-oblong, much compressed, in lax ovate spikes at ends of rays. Rhachilla winged. Glumes ± 2.5 mm long, not closely imbricate, ovate, scarcely keeled, tip obtuse or slightly mucronate, yellow-brown, distinctly nerved. Stamens 3. Style-branches 3. Nut ± ½ length of glume, obovate-oblong, trigonous, light brown.

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