Purple Nutsedge
(Cyperus rotundus L.)
Purple Nutsedge
(Cyperus rotundus L.)
Purple Nutsedge originates from Africa, South Asia, Central and Southern Europe. Nut Grass has a high adaptability, making it easily and widely found in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions. It is distributed across all continents (Europe, Asia, America, Africa, and Australia). Although it is considered a weed (tanaman pengganggu), this grass is an important plant in traditional medicine in India and China, believed to have many health benefits.
This plant grows well at temperatures of 24–32
∘
C, with rainfall of 500–3,000 mm/year, at altitudes up to 800 m above sea level (m.a.s.l.), a pH of 5.5–7, and prefers wet, sandy loam soil.
Root (Akar) Fibrous root system, highly branched, with rootlets, and fine hairs. It grows elongated and spreads underground.
Tuber (Umbi) Blackish color, the inside is reddish-white.
Stem (Batang) Triangular shape, green color.
Leaves (Daun) Ribbon-shaped (pita), shiny green color, located at the base of the stem.
Flower (Bunga) Brownish-green color, compound forming an umbel (payung), spike-shaped (bulir), and located at the tip of the base.
Seed (Biji) Consists of 10–40 spikelets, slightly overlapping and closely pressed to the axis. Seeds are ovate and flat, 3 mm long, and reddish-brown color.
Propagation is done by stolons or runners (geragih), which are extensions of the main stem.
Antidiabetic, antibacterial, treats diarrhea, gastrointestinal infections, fungal skin infections, muscle aches and stiffness (pegal linu), reduces fever, hypertension (high blood pressure), treats coughing up blood, canker sores (stomatitis), rheumatism, inflammation, and swelling.
The compounds are reported to address: hypertension, allergies, tumors, wounds, boils, stomach aches, diarrhea, stomach ulcers, sore throat, cough, bleeding, malaria, viral and fungal infections, diabetes. It also possesses properties that are analgesic, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory (Note: These are activities/properties related to the compounds).
Socfindo Conservation. 2023. Rumput Teki. https://www.socfindoconservation.co.id/plant/653 (29-04-2023)