Description

General aspect and origins - Cyperus alternifolius, syn. Cyperus racemosus is also known as umbrella plant or umbrella sedge. It is a perennial plant which is native to Madagascar, Mauricius and The Réunion island. It can reach up to about 3-6 ft (1-2 m) tall, depending on the growing conditions.
Leaves - This plant has an evergreen foliage, composed of long stems with involucral bracts at the top. These bracts look like narrow leaves.
Flowers - The umbelliform inflorescence is composed of 10-20 small clusters of green-white tiny flowers. It appears at the end of the stems, on top of the leaf-shaped bracts.

Culture

This plant, which is a close relative of the Nile papyrus (Cyperus papyrus) is more cold-hardy than one can expect. Indeed, stems and leaves are likely to withstand 23°F-26°F (-3°C to -5°C) frosts, while roots may survive down to 18°F-21°F (-6°C to -8°C) and even a little lower if the soil is well-drained.

There are a few varieties of Cyperus alternifolius, including :

• var. Gracilis - Smaller than the type, this selection will grow up to about 2 ft (60 cm) tall.


• 'Nana' - Even smaller than C. alternifolius var. gracilis, this selection is about 1-1.5 ft (30-45 cm) tall.


• 'Variegatus' - As its name suggests, this selection has a variegated foliage.

Soil - Cyperus alternifolius is fairly drought resistant and can be grown in relatively dry conditions. However, this plant will thrive when growing in moist or damp soils.

Propagation

This plant can be propagated by seeds or by clump division. However, it is easier to place upside-down stems with their terminal umbrella in water. New roots will quickly appear.