Common Name: Piripiri

General Information

Cyperus articulatus is a perennial, grass-like plant producing stout culms 100 - 250cm tall from a long-creeping, thick rhizome[].
Piripiri is a valued plant throughout its wide range, being valued especially for its aromatic rhizome, medicinal properties and as a source of materials for weaving, The native peoples of the Amazon ascribe magical properties to this plant and use it in many ways to bring good fortune. It is used in the herbal systems of many countries where it is particularly valued for its beneficial effect upon the digestive system. It is sometimes cultivated on a small scale and in gardens for the many uses of its rhizome, and is often sold in local markets[]. It has been suggested as suitable for cultivation on a commercial scale for use in soap making[].
Cyperus articulatus is widespread with stable populations and does not face any major threats on a small scale and in gardens. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Widespread in warm temperate to tropical areas of the Americas, Africa through Arabia to India, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and northeast Australia.

Habitat

Damp, marshy and flooded areas along the rivers and streams[]. Swamps or marshes, most often in shallow water at the margins of streams or lakes; usually near sea level but sometimes ascending to 1,500 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.80 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Cyperus articulatus grows naturally from the warm temperate zone through to the tropics.
Probably requires a moist to wet soil. Plants are sometimes found growing in stagnant or slowly flowing water and also in sites with alternatively fresh and saline water[].
The rhizome is aromatic[]. In some areas the wild races of this species are said to be without aroma, but the aroma of cultivars is pungent and musk-like[].

Edible Uses

Rhizomes - peeled and eaten raw[].

Essential oils obtained from the roots are used as a flavouring in the food industry[].

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

Piripiri has a long history of use in herbal medicine systems in South America, Africa and other areas of its range. It is particularly valued for its beneficial effect upon the digestive system and is commonly used to treat nausea, vomiting, stomach-aches, and intestinal gas[]. The plant, especially the rhizome, is anthelmintic, antibacterial, antiemetic, antifungal, aphrodisiac, carminative, contraceptive, digestive, febrifuge and sedative[].
More recently, interest has grown about the plants possible use in treating conditions such as epilepsy and convulsions. Researchers in Africa have published several studies which suggest that the plant can mediate many of the brain chemical reactions which are required in epilepsy and report that the rhizome has anti-epileptic actions. In addition, other laboratory research reports that the plant has anti-convulsant actions, as well as sedative actions[].

The fresh rhizomes are ground up to extract the juice, which is used as a nerve tonic in cases of headaches, stress and nervous and mental disorders (including epilepsy). It is also used to treat and prevent a wide range of digestive and gastrointestinal disorders; to treat coughs, fevers and flu; to treat malaria; to facilitate child birth or to induce an abortion; as a contraceptive; and for throat cancer[, ]. The raw rhizome is eaten as a vermifuge[].
Externally, it is crushed and used to heal wounds, reduce swellings and treat snake bite, whilst it is also put on the head to relieve headaches and as a hair tonic that can treat or prevent baldness[, ].

The tuber is a good tonic and stimulant[].

A leaf infusion is employed for treating headaches; colds and flu; mouth sores and ulcers; and hypertension[].

The whole plant is decocted to relieve nausea and vomiting caused from malaria[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant helps to prevent erosion when it is growing along the banks of streams or along the banks of irrigation channels in sandy fields[].

Other Uses

The tall green stems are fibrous, round, and hollow and can be up to 18mm wide at the base. Piri-piri stems have sometimes been used like reeds in basket-making and other crafts[, ]. The stems are used for weaving into mats, sacks etc[, , ]. The mats are of good quality[].

The leaves are soaked in damp ashes, sundried and then beaten flat and woven into square-bottomed baskets[].

An essential oil obtained from the rhizomes is used in perfumery, added to soaps etc[]. It is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a fragrance[].
The root is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a skin conditioner and emollient[].
The crushed rhizome, mixed with oil or soap, is used as a body-perfume, as well as a cleanser for the skin

The fragrant, sweet-scented, rhizomes are used for perfuming clothing etc. They are rubbed onto the rims of water jars to add fragrance[, , ].
The dried rhizomes are tied to the hair or placed amongst clothes in order to add fragrance[].
The dried and powdered rhizomes, usually mixed with scented resins, are used as a fumigant and to sweeten the air of rooms in the rainy season[].

The rhizomes are fashioned into necklaces and waist-girdles and worn in order to keep insects away []. They are also burnt and used in rooms as an incense and as a mosquito repellant[, ].

The fresh rhizomes are placed in muddy water to clarify it[].

Propagation

Seed -
Division.

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