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Isolepis cernua (Vahl) Roem. & Schult.
| Family Name: | Cyperaceae |
| Synonyms: | Scirpus psammophilus, Scirpus cernuus var. californicus, Scirpus filiformis, Isolepis gracilis, Scirpus cernuus, Scirpus cernuus subsp. californicus |
| Common Name: | Fibre Optic Grass, Slender Club-rush, Slender Bulrush, Salt Marsh Bulrush, Nodding Club-rush, Drooping Rush, Dougal Rush, Mop Sedge, Low Bulrush, Optical Fibre Plant |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Aquatic (Waterside / Marginal), Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Compact |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | North & South America, Europe, Africa, Western Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Falkland Islands |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Coastal Forest, Riverine), Shoreline (Mangrove Forest, Sandy Beach) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal, Temperate |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Small, grass-like plant composed of a dense cluster of thin stems. |
|---|---|
| Stems | Thin, flexible stems are a translucent bright green. |
| Flowers | Small, papery flowers are initially white and then turn brown at maturity. The ball-shaped flowers are borne singly at the stem tips. |
| Cultivation | This grass-like species grows well in a wide variety of lighting conditions from deep shade to full sun. It is a good substitute for grass in deep shaded locations, because most grasses do not grow well in deep shade. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Coastal Plant, Riverine, Focal Plant, Terrarium, Container Planting, Aquarium / Aquascape, Beachfront / Shoreline |
| Thematic Landscaping | Water Garden, Bioswales / Sunken Garden |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Abiotic (Water) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Fertile Loamy Soils, Waterlogged Soils (Drains Site), Saline Soils / Salt Spray |
| Maintenance Requirements | Moderate |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Storage Organ, Division |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Glossy / Shiny |
| Foliar Modification | Reduced / Needle-like |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Linear) |
| Foliar Venation | Parallel |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Stem Type & Modification | Acaulescent |
|---|---|
| Specialised Storage Organ(s) | Underground (Rhizome) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Brown |
|---|---|
| Inflorescence Type | Spike |
| Flowering Period | Free-Flowering |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Brown, Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type | Indehiscent Dry Fruit , Nut / Nutlet |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 29158 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 3467 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |