Description
Cyperus rotundus, also known as tiririca, is a ‘good-guy/bad-guy’ plant. It has a reputation for being one of the most invasive weeds known to humankind, having spread from the tropics to virtually every continent on the planet. It is identified as a weed in over 90 countries, and has invaded over 50 crops worldwide.
Uses and Cultivation
Domestic crop yield is seriously damaged by this plant because it is a tough competitor for ground resources and because the roots release substances harmful to other plants. It also has a negative effect on ornamental gardening. Its underground tubers make it almost impossible to control and it is resistance to most herbicides.
Plastic ground cover cannot stop this plant from growing. New growth can spring from part of a tuber, so weed pulling and ploughing are useless. Tubers can survive extremely harsh conditions and herbicides generally only damage leaves, rarely the tubers underground.
The ‘good-guy’ data for this plant is encouraging, in spite of its nuisance factor. Traditional Chinese medicine considers cyperus rotundus the primary qi regulating herb; that is, this plant is said to manage basic life energy. Modern ayurvedic medicine uses this herb to treat fever, digestive system ailments, dysmenorrhea and other physical issues requiring an anti-inflammatory treatment. Enough scientific research has been conducted on cyperus rotundus to identify chemicals that provide relief for some of the physical issues it is said to treat.
The tubers are edible and bitter, but have some nutritional value. The tubers are a staple for victims of famine in Africa. In addition, they provide minerals and trace elements for migrating birds.
This plant is additional evidence that, when taken from its native environment, what can be a valuable medicinal resource becomes an environmental tyrant.