Cyperus pertenius has often been misidentified., being treated variously as a synonym of Cyperus articulatus L. and as Cyperus corymbosus var scariosus (R.Br.) Kük (Syn Cyperus scariosus R.Br.). However, we are following the treatment of V. P. Prasad & D. A. Simpson in 'The status of Cyperus pertenuis and Cyperus scariosus (Cyperaceae)'[], which recognizes both Cyperus pertenuis Roxb., and Cyperus scariosus R.Br., as distinct species. Cyperus pertenuis is native to northeast India, Bangladesh and Myanmar, whilst Cyperus scariosus is restricted to Indonesia (West Papua), Papua New Guinea and northern Australia. All the reports for plant uses from Myanmar and the Indian subcontinent for Cyperus scariosus should therefore be referred to Cyperus pertenuis[].

Common Name:

General Information

Cyperus pertenuis is a perennial, grass-like plant growing from a creeping rhizomatous rootstock; it produces clusters of stems up to 80cm tall
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and perfume.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - northeast India, Bangladesh, Myanmar

Habitat

Coastal, swampy, brackish areas, Mangrove swamps[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.60 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

We have no specific information for this species, but it is said that the inner base of the young stems of all species in this genus can be eaten raw, and make an excellent survival food in times of need[].

Medicinal

The rhizome is acrid, antidote, antipyretic, astringent, blood enricher, cooling, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, galactogogue, nervine, pungent and sedative[, ]. It promotes the flow of milk in nursing mothers, stimulates menstrual discharge and urination, but also checks abnormally profuse menstruation and urination, and regulates body temperature[, ]. It is combined with valerian and used in the treatment of epilepsy, stuttering and brain disorders[, ].
The root is considered to be useful in the treatment of a range of conditions, including digestive system conditions such as biliousness, thirst relief, fatigue, flatulence, diarrhoea and dysentery; chest disorders, lumbago, fevers, haemorrhoids and nasal discharge[]. A decoction is used to treat gonorrhoea and syphilis[]. It is useful in the treatment of swellings and eye sores, and is also used as an antidote for scorpion stings[].

It has been shown experimentally that the plant is not an antidote to scorpion venom[].

Other Uses

The sweet-smelling rhizomes are used in perfumery and cosmetics[].
An extract of the roots is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as an antimicrobial[].
An essential oil obtained from the rootss is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a perfume[].humectant[].

Propagation

Seed -

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