Cyperus alatus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Kyllinga alata
• Kyllinga alba var. alata

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Poales and the family Cyperaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Cyperus as the species Cyperus alatus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern concentrated within the tropical regions of the African continent. In West Tropical Africa, its presence is documented across several key nations, including Ghana and the Ivory Coast. It can also be found spreading through the territories of Togo and Nigeria within the same western zone. Moving further inland, the species extends its range into West-Central Tropical Africa. Specifically, its distribution reaches the Central African Republic, marking the extent of its documented geographical presence.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Cyperus alatus is characterized by a broad vertical distribution across diverse topographical gradients, allowing it to inhabit a wide variety of environmental niches. This species demonstrates significant adaptability to varying altitudes, maintaining a presence from low-lying areas starting at an elevation of 15 m AMSL up to high-altitude terrains reaching a maximum of 2000 m AMSL. This expansive elevational range suggests that the plant is capable of tolerating diverse temperature regimes and atmospheric pressures, ranging from tropical or subtropical lowland conditions to more temperate montane environments. Such ecological plasticity enables it to colonize multiple distinct ecosystems within its altitudinal span, provided the specific moisture and soil requirements inherent to the genus are met.

Elevational range max:

2000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

15 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Cyperus alatus is characterized by its perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its biological structure and survival strategy, it is classified as a helophyte, a life form typical of plants that inhabit wetland environments with roots anchored in the soil while the shoots emerge above the water or moist substrate. Additionally, it functions as a cryptophyte, relying on protected underground or submerged organs to survive unfavorable environmental conditions and ensure its continued existence across successive years.

Life form :

helophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Cyperus alatus is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody, graminoid herb. This plant is a self-supporting species that functions as an independent organism, neither acting as a parasite nor an epiphyte, as it maintains a primarily terrestrial existence. In terms of stature, it is a relatively small plant, with heights ranging from a minimum of 0.1 m to a maximum of 0.61 m, maintaining an average plant height of approximately 0.4 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

graminoid

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.61 m

Plant height mean:

0.4 m

Plant height min:

0.1 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Cyperus alatus is characterized by specialized metabolic processes and structural adaptations optimized for its specific ecological niche. As a member of the Cyperaceae family, its physiological framework is centered on efficient photosynthetic pathways and robust rhizomatous growth, which facilitate nutrient uptake and resource storage within its subterranean systems. Regarding its interaction with soil nutrients, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as Rhizobium or Frankia, that is required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms. Consequently, its physiological reliance on nitrogen is dependent on the uptake of nitrates or ammonium present in the soil through its extensive root network. Furthermore, its physiological regulation of water and minerals is managed through specialized vascular tissues that support its upright growth habit and facilitate the transport of essential solutes throughout its vegetative structures.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

Reproduction in Cyperus alatus is characterized by the production of highly uniform, minute seeds that facilitate dispersal and establishment. Quantitative analysis of its reproductive output reveals a remarkably consistent seed mass, with no observed variation between individual specimens. Specifically, the seed mass maintains a constant mean value of 0.00043 g, which is mirrored by both the maximum and minimum recorded measurements of 0.00043 g. This lack of deviation in seed mass suggests a highly stabilized reproductive strategy, ensuring that each unit of offspring carries a precise and predictable resource allocation for germination.

Seed mass mean:

0.00043 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Cyperus alatus has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer.

Anticancer

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Conditions

Cyperus alatus has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include cancer.

Cancer

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM