Cyperus esculentus

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Cyperus esculentus

Cyperus esculentus, also known as tiger nut, yellow nutsedge, or earth almond, is a species of sedge native to warm temperate to subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It is considered an invasive species in many areas, including the North American Great Plains and Europe.

Pronunciation

Cyperus esculentus: /saɪˈpɪərəs ˌɛskjʊˈlɛntəs/

Etymology

The genus name Cyperus derives from the Greek word kypeiros, used to describe various types of sedge. The species name esculentus is Latin for "edible".

Description

Cyperus esculentus is a perennial plant that grows up to 90 cm tall. The leaves are linear and the flowers are yellowish-green, produced on spikes at the top of the stems. The tubers are edible, with a sweet, nutty flavor, and can be eaten raw or cooked, or ground into a flour.

Cultivation and uses

Cyperus esculentus is cultivated for its edible tubers in Spain, where it is used to make a sweet milk-like beverage called horchata de chufa. It is also grown in other parts of the world, including Africa and the Middle East, for its tubers and as a medicinal plant.

Related terms

  • Cyperaceae: The sedge family, to which Cyperus esculentus belongs.
  • Tuber: The part of Cyperus esculentus that is typically harvested and consumed.
  • Invasive species: A species that is not native to a specific location and has a tendency to spread, which is often harmful to the local ecosystem and biodiversity.

External links

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