The genus Cyperus of Renfrew County:
A comparative study

By Grant A. Bickel, 2020

Cyperus esculentus Linnaeus, Perennial yellow flatsedge

Cyperus esculentus is sparse in Renfrew County. It is found in disturbed sandy soils and especially abundant and weedy around Petawawa building lots during construction. The latin word 'esculentus' means 'edible' and refers to the tubers (Figure 5). In various parts of the world, some varieties of Cyperus esculentus (known as Chufa) are cultivated for their tubers - the tubers are generally known as Tiger Nuts.

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Inflorecence of Cyperus esculentus

Figure 1. Inflorecence.
Inflorecence of Cyperus esculentus

Figure 2. Inflorecence.
Spikelet, achenes and scales of Cyperus esculentus

Figure 3. Spikelet, achenes and scales.
Habit of Cyperus esculentus

Figure 4. Habit.
Tubers of Cyperus esculentus

Figure 5. Tubers.
An occurrence map of Cyperus esculentus in Renfrew County

Figure 6. Occurence map for Renfrew County and surrounding area.
Accession records for specimens from Renfrew County
Accession # Collector Date
DAO 856325 D.F. Brunton 2009-August-25