Ricefield flatsedge - Cyperus iria (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Distribution, Images)

Ricefield flatsedge

Also known as: Umbrella sedge

Ricefield flatsedge is a smooth, tufted annual sedge that often grows in rice paddies. It's considered a vigorous weed, causing many problems in rice fields throughout Asia. Ricefield flatsedge is distinguished by its yellowish inflorescence and yellowish-red roots.

Scientific classification

Species

Ricefield flatsedge (Cyperus iria)

Grasses, sedges and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

Annual, Perennial

Lifespan

Grass

Plant Type

1.5 mm to 2 mm

Flower Size

Yellow, Green, Red, Brown

Flower Color

Semi-evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 41 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Ricefield flatsedge

Distribution of Ricefield flatsedge

Distribution Map

The plant ricefield flatsedge naturally occurs across Asia and Africa, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, and extends to temperate zones. It has been introduced successfully to parts of Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Oceania. In its introduced range, ricefield flatsedge thrives in similar climates to its native habitat, with a presence spanning major regions on multiple continents.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Rice paddies

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Weed Control

A categorized weed in Japan, the Pacific Islands, Australia, and India, ricefield flatsedge is an agricultural weed that primarily affects rice crops. It has also been reported in bananas, corn, tea, groundnuts, and other crops. Ricefield flatsedge produces up to 5000 seeds per plant, forty percent of which can germinate immediately. This enables it to quickly take over croplands, and as it has high water resistance, flooding usually has no effect. Established plants can be removed by pulling and seeds can be destroyed by soil tilling. A combination of herbicides and manual control methods is highly effective.

How to Control It

Best weeding time: before fruition

Removal: This is a small herbaceous plant. Remove this weed by gloved hand or by tools.
Pruning: This is an annual plant. Repeat pruning its aerial parts to effectively contain its growth.
Plowing: Plow the soil before cultivation, and bury the weed entirely in the soil.
Chemical control: If the weed is too much to pull out, herbicides will be helpful for its eradication.

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Quickly Identify Ricefield flatsedge

Triangular stems up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall distinguish ricefield flatsedge from other plants.

Umbrella-like clusters of greenish flowers in summer and fall are unique to ricefield flatsedge.

Golden-brown spikes holding open compound umbels make ricefield flatsedge easily identifiable.

Distinctive shiny brown achenes with a tri-angled shape aid in ricefield flatsedge identification.

V-shaped, scabrid leaves with reddish-brown bases are key features of ricefield flatsedge.

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Care Guide for Ricefield flatsedge

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 41 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from moist environments, ricefield flatsedge thrives in consistent moisture and high humidity. Water weekly for optimal growth, preferably using rainwater for natural irrigation and nutrients. This species is well-suited for wetlands and typically found in outdoor settings with wet soil.

Fertilize: Ricefield flatsedge requires minimal fertilization, needing only small amounts of standard-strength fertilizer monthly during active growth. Unlike other similar-sized plants, ricefield flatsedge consumes less feed, making it easier to maintain and care for.

Pruning: In fall, cut back dead stems of ricefield flatsedge to prevent diseases. Pruning should avoid cutting leaflets, as this causes brown tips due to the plant's defense mechanism. Instead of trimming, allow brown tips to outgrow as the plant develops.

Propagation: Ricefield flatsedge is propagated from seed in temperatures of 13-18℃ (55-64℉) in spring, using moist seed compost. It can also be divided when overgrown, or multiplied with stem cuttings of 10 cm (4 in), which root in water. Re-pot new plants once roots develop.

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Images of Ricefield flatsedge

Distribution of Ricefield flatsedge

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Ricefield flatsedge

Care Guide for Ricefield flatsedge

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