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| Publication Type:
| Refereed |
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| Author(s): | Wills, Gene D. |
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| Author Affiliation: | Plant Phsiol., Delta Branch of the Mississippi Agric. and For. Exp. Stn., Stoneville, MS. |
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| Title: | Description of Purple and Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus and C. esculentus) |
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| Source: | Weed Technology. Vol. 1, No. 1, January 1987, p. 2-9. |
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| Publishing Information: | Champaign, IL: Weed Science Society of America. |
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| Keywords: | TIC Keywords: Cyperus rotundus; Cyperus esculentus; Characteristics; Morphology; C-4 plant; Rhizomes; Corms; Cyperaceae; Taxonomy
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| Abstract/Contents: | "Both purple and yellow nutsedges are problem weeds. Purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) is a perennial extensively reproduced by rhizomes. Rhizomes either extend upwards, horizontally, or downward. The downward or horizontally extended rhizomes give rise to tubers while the upward extension rhizomes swell upon reaching the surface to form basal bulbs or corms which give rise to shoots, roots and other rhizomes. Purple nutsedge is found on well-drained soils. Yellow nutsedge is a perennial which reproduces annually by seeds and corm-like solid bulbs. In a mixed stand, purple nutsedge is distinguished by its red, reddish-brown or purplish-brown loosely arranged inflorescence, dark green leaves which grow low to the ground with boat-shaped leaf tips. In comparison, yellow nutsedge has a yellowish-brown or straw-colored inflorescence which is pinnately arranged along an elongate axis in the shape of a bottle brush. It has pale green leaves which grow upright with long needle-shaped leaf tips. Purple and yellow nutsedges have in common many anatomical features, however, differences are being discussed. Both species have C4 photosynthetic pathways, consequently can assimilate CO2 at higher temperatures and light intensities than plants with only C3 pathway. Yellow nutsedge has been cultivated for its edible tubers, extract oil for food and making soap, and used as a substitute for coffee and cocoa in South Europe. Purple nutsedge was used in medicine for a malaria remedy, a headache cure, and aphrodisiac, an insect repellant, and other medicinal uses. |
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| Language: | English |
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| References: | 55 |
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| Note: | Pictures |
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| ASA/CSSA/SSSA Citation (Crop Science-Like - may be incomplete):
Wills, G. D. 1987. Description of Purple and Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus and C. esculentus). Weed Technol. 1(1):p. 2-9. |
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MSU catalog number: SB 610 .W44 |
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