mustaka :
Taxonomical Classification
Family:
Cyperaceae
VERNACULAR NAMES
English: Indian Cyperus , Guinea rush, joined flatsedge, adrue, piripiri.
Synonyms
Synonyms in Ayurveda:
Morphology:
RhizomesRhizome covered with fibrous remains of sheathsStemStems trigonous, 2 – 3.5 mm thickLeavesBasal leaves reduced to sheaths; upper ones much less than half the length of the stem, up to 12 cm long, at times bladelessInflorescencesInflorescence simple to compound; primary rays up to 5.5 cm long; secondary rays 1 – 1.5 cm longBractsInvolucral bracts 3, shorter than inflorescence, spreading Glumes ⅓ imbricate, ovate, 2 – 2.5 × c. 1.5 mmSpikeletsSpikelets subterete, 15 – 20 × 1 mmStamensStamens 3; anthers linear, c. 1 mm longStigmaStigmas 2 – 3 mm longFruitsNut (immature) oblong-obovate, c. 1.5 × 0.5 mm.
ECOLOGICAL ASPECT:
HabitPerennial with creeping rhizome, up to 80 cm highEcologyMangrovesPlant conservation:
Data Deficient (DD) (IUCN 2001). The only specimens seen are over 120 years old. Therefore it is impossible to make a judgement on conservation status until more modern material has been located.
