Cyperus rotundus L.
Nut Grass / Rumput purun/Rumput berisi (Bru.)
Description
Traditional Medicinal Uses
Ecology
Propagation
Distribution
Precaution
Perennial herb that can reach up to 90 cm tall. Leaves are bluish-green and arising from the brown sheath around the shoot base. Leaf blade is linear with distinct midrib. Stems are triangular, erect, smooth and swollen at the base. Inflorescence a terminal cyme. Spikes consist of 3-10 spikelets. Spikelets are spreading, flattened, reddish-brown to purplish-brown. Fruit a dark brownish-black nutlet. Roots are fibrous. Rhizomes are wiry, dark and persistent. Tubers are dark brown to black, irregularly shaped
The local healers used this herb to treat cramp after childbirth. Roots are cleaned and chewed (preferably 2-3) along with areca palm (Areca catechu ). The chewed parts are applied externally to the affected area as a poultice. Other uses, the roots are cut into small pieces and made into an infusion for headache, fever and ulcer in the mouth especially for children.
It can be found in lowland mixed dipterocarp forests, in montane forest,s in swampy areas and near streams. It prefers moist soil under full sunlight to partial shade.
Seeds and tuber division.
Native to Africa, southern and central Europe and southern Asia.
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