Cyperus esculentus aka Yellow Nutsedge

Taxonomy

Cyperus esculentus, also known as chufa, tiger nut, atadwe, yellow nutsedge, earth almond, or pfende, is a plant species in the sedge family that is widespread across much of the world. It can be found in most of the Eastern Hemisphere, including Southern Europe, Africa, Madagascar, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent. This plant is cultivated for its edible tubers, called earth almonds or tiger nuts, which are used as a snack food and for making horchata de chufa, a sweet, milk-like beverage. It can also be found in the wild, as a weed, or as a crop. However, it is considered an invasive species outside its native range and is often found in wet soils such as rice paddies and peanut farms, as well as well-irrigated lawns and golf courses during warm weather. Yellow nutsedge is characterized by its shiny yellowish-green leaves, triangular stem, golden-brown flower head, and shallow rhizomes that produce many nut-like tubers. It is invasive in California, Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington. On the other hand, Earth Almond is a super rare houseplant that needs regular watering to thrive and does best in abundant sunlight. It likes soil that is good at retaining moisture, and you may want to supplement it with a gentle, organic fertilizer throughout the peak growing season.

Common names

Yellow Nutsedge, Earth Almond, Tigernut

How to care for Yellow Nutsedge

Difficulty

Yellow Nutsedge presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Yellow Nutsedge should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Yellow Nutsedge requires special care to keep it thriving. Its sensitivity to dry soil means that you need to be especially careful when it comes to selecting the right potting soil. Look for a soil that will retain moisture, but is also well-draining. A good potting soil should have plenty of organic material, such as coco coir or sphagnum moss, which will help to keep the soil moist and provide extra nutrition for your plant. When planting your Tigernut, make sure to mix the soil with some compost or manure to give it an extra boost of nutrients. Additionally, you should water your plant often to ensure that the soil remains moist. With the right care and attention, your Yellow Nutsedge will bloom beautifully in your home.

Lighting

Yellow Nutsedge thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Tigernut.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Yellow Nutsedge to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Growth-pattern

The Yellow Nutsedge is a clump-forming species, with new growth originating from the soil surrounding the main plant.

Region of origin

Yellow Nutsedge’s native range is Original range is obscure, the plant is a widespread weed from the Tropics to the Temperate zone.


More info:
Wikipedia