Cyperus involucratus (formerly C. alternifolius) - Umbrella plant, Papyrus
Family Cyperaceae
Description:
About six hundred species of Cyperus are native around the world. They range from small grass-like plants to shrubby plants and a genus that contains some vines (Scleria.) Uses of the sedges include fibers, weaving, construction material for houses and boats, paper-making, fragrance, and edible tubers. The umbrella plant makes a clump of upright culms, each topped by a whorl of leaves. Small flowers are borne between the leaves. The stalks can grow to about four feet tall. It is native to Madagascar and the Mascarene Islands.
Location:
See plants in the containers in the fountain in front of building 1.
Size:
Herbaceous plant with leaves up to four feet tall.
Care Instructions:
Light: full sun to part shade
Water: moist soil, even standing water
Soil: very adaptable provided the soil is moist to wet
This plant should be managed carefully in Florida gardens. It can be weedy in Florida's wetlands.