Cyperus alternifolius, the umbrella papyrus, umbrella sedge or umbrella palm, is a grass-like plant in the large genus Cyperus of the sedge family Cyperaceae. The plant is native to West Africa, Madagascar and the Arabian Peninsula, but widely distributed throughout the world.[1] It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[2] [3] The subspecies Cyperus alternifolius ssp. flabelliformis is also known as Cyperus involucratus .[4]
Cyperus alternifolius is frequently cultivated as an ornamental plant worldwide. It is planted in gardens in the ground, pots, in ponds, and as a houseplant. It is not hardy, and requires protection when temperatures fall below 5C[2] (USDA Zones: 9a–11b).[5] It is propagated by dividing the roots and requires copious amounts of water.[6] The cultivar Cyperus alternifolius 'Variegatus' is grown for its variegated foliage and smaller size.[7]