There has long been a dispute amongst botanists as to whether to treat this species as a monotypic section within the genus Cyperus L. or as the monotypic genus Remirea Kerr. Several publications since the 1990's have treated it as Remirea maritima Aubl. However, a more recent work 'Velayos, M., Aedo, C., Cabezas, F., de la Estrella, M., Barberá, P. & Fero, M. (eds.) (2014). Flora de Guinea Ecuatorial 11: 1-416. Consejo superior de investigaciones científicas, Real jardín botánico, Madrid.' has treated it as Cyperus pedunculatus, and this has been accepted by the Kew 'World checklist of selected plant families'. We are, accordingly, following this treatment[].

Common Name:

General Information

Cyperus pedunculatus is a slightly succulent, perennial, grass-like plant. It produces solitary or loose clumps of culms 3 - 12cm tall from a long, creeping rhizome that is branched and forms roots at the nodes[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of perfumery. It can be used as a soil stabilizer in sandy soils.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Widespread in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa; through eastern Asia to New Guinea and N. Australia; the Americas.

Habitat

Locally abundant on sandy shores and dunes along the coast[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.10 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

The root is spicy-tasting[]. This report does not say the root is edible[].

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

An infusion of the root is said to be used in Brazil and Guyana as a sudorific and diuretic[, ]. It is used to treat frequent micturition and bladder disease in Guyana[].
The rhizome is astringent and diuretic[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Suitable to bind coastal sands and dunes[].

Other Uses

Dried plants are used in perfumes for their pleasant odour[].

Propagation

Seed -

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