Cyperus decompositus (R.Br.) F.Muell.

Cyperaceae

Mueller, F.J.H. von (1874) Fragmenta Phytographiae Australiae 8: 267.

Usually flowers and fruits when about 1-2 m tall.

Leaf blades about 81-120 x 1-2 cm, V-shaped in transverse section particularly towards the base. Margin and midrib on the lower surface finely toothed.

Inflorescence terminal, produced on a long peduncle which usually ends in a whorl of leafy bracts, sometimes with spaced leafy bracts at various points on the peduncle. Inflorescence a panicle of spikes.

Nut about 2.5 mm long. Perianth persistent at the base of the nut. Embryo about 1 mm long.

Features not avalaible.

Occurs in NT, CYP, NEQ, CEQ and southwards as far as south-eastern Queensland. Altitudinal range from near sea level to 200 m. Grows in open forest, rain forest and beach forest.

Food plant for the larval stages of the Six-spot Skipper Butterfly. Common & Waterhouse (1981).

Mariscus decompositus R.Br., Prod. : 218 (1810), Type: Northern Australia, R. Brown; holo: BM?.