Dwarf Papyrus is a species of sedge that is native to eastern Africa. While Cyperus translates to sedge, prolifer means 'increasing by production of side-shoots', which is how this plant spreads to form colonies. One of its common names, Dwarf Papyrus, refers to its resemblance to that plant in a dwarf habit. Preferring full sun or light to partial shade, it can be used in water gardens or as a houseplant. It must be keep moist or grown in standing water. It will spread by rhizomes but is easy to manage. During its growing season, culms are produced from the growing tip of each rhizome producing a cluster of grass-like flower spikelets. Spreading by it shoots that emerge in wet soils, it will quickly establish a colony where the root system will help to filter the water and thereby keep the water clean. In addition to its filtering of wet areas, it will also add a pleasing, decorative element to the landscape. Cultivated varieties seldom produce fruits. The fruits of a non-cultivated plant have one seed per achene that is dispersed by water and wind. The plant is considered invasive in Florida. Please choose native grasses. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Watch for rootrot in too wet conditions. Watch for mealy bugs and whiteflies.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.