mustaka :

Taxonomical Classification

Family: Cyperaceae

VERNACULAR NAMES

English: Indian Cyperus , Guinea rush, joined flatsedge, adrue, piripiri.

Synonyms

Synonyms in Ayurveda:

Morphology:

Rhizomes

Rhizome covered with fibrous remains of sheaths

Stem

Stems trigonous, 2 – 3.5 mm thick

Leaves

Basal leaves reduced to sheaths; upper ones much less than half the length of the stem, up to 12 cm long, at times bladeless

Inflorescences

Inflorescence simple to compound; primary rays up to 5.5 cm long; secondary rays 1 – 1.5 cm long

Bracts

Involucral bracts 3, shorter than inflorescence, spreading Glumes ⅓ imbricate, ovate, 2 – 2.5 × c. 1.5 mm

Spikelets

Spikelets subterete, 15 – 20 × 1 mm

Stamens

Stamens 3; anthers linear, c. 1 mm long

Stigma

Stigmas 2 – 3 mm long

Fruits

Nut (immature) oblong-obovate, c. 1.5 × 0.5 mm.

ECOLOGICAL ASPECT:

Habit

Perennial with creeping rhizome, up to 80 cm high

Ecology

Mangroves

Plant 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.

Dr Mohamed Rifas

A dual country licensed Ayurveda Physician, currently working in Dubai as Head of Ayurveda and Yoga department. He also works as visiting doctor for Dr Hassan Ayurveda Brain and Spine Specialty Hospital. He is specialized in joint issues, brain and spine related issues and gastrointestinal issues with respect to anxiety.
Doctor profile: Click here