Cyperus prolifer

Cyperus prolifer or Dwarf Papyrus is an elegant perennial of wet soils and mild climates. It is generally similar to its cousin the Nile Papyrus with its original silhouette formed by long stiff stems topped with bracts gathered in an umbrella, but it has a more modest growth, among the smallest of the Cyperus. Its appearance is stiffer, but this species has a greater ability to withstand the often dry atmosphere of our interiors. Outdoor cultivation is only possible in the mildest regions, unaffected by severe frosts. In this case, it is possible to cultivate it partly submerged in a pond or on shores. Versatile, it also accepts container cultivation, in a constantly moist substrate.

Cyperus prolifer belongs to the family of Cyperaceae. It is native to the marshy areas from Somalia to South Africa, from Madagascar to the Mascarene Islands. It needs constantly moist soil. This plant is now cultivated in all temperate regions for its ornamental qualities, especially as a houseplant. It is frost-sensitive from -5°C (23°F). Semi-aquatic, it develops many leafless, stiff stems from its rhizomes, reaching 50cm (20in) in height under our climates. The stump spreads laterally over about 30cm (12in), but without a theoretical limit. Each stem bears at its end a relatively narrow crown, composed of stiff, relatively thin, ray-like bracts, of a bright green colour. In spring, a small inflorescence composed of tiny pale yellow flowers appears in the centre of each crown, turning brown in summer, when ripe. These flowers give rise to seeds that are dispersed by the wind. Cyperus prolifer reproduces through the dissemination of its seeds and vegetatively, through lateral growth of its rhizomes. Unlike true Nile Papyrus, it is easily propagated by immersing its heads in water.

Cyperus prolifer, a beautiful riverside plant in very mild climates, also makes a very attractive terrace or indoor plant, very easy to grow as long as the soil in which it is planted remains always moist. It works wonders in a small above-ground pond arranged on the terrace, for example. It appeals to enthusiasts of luxuriant plants because of its bamboo-like silhouette and exotic appearance. Perfect as a standalone plant, its association in open ground or in a pot with Cannas with purple or green foliage, Nandina, Dierama, or Persicaria is always successful. In a pond, immerse it between 0 and 20cm (1 and 8in) deep.

Properties: Cyperus plants are air-purifying for our confined atmospheres.