Umbrella papyrus, umbrella palm


Photo: Piotr Konieczny, licensed under, CC BY-SA 3.0		Umbrella papyrus, umbrella palm Cyperus alternifolius ssp. flabelliformis Aquatic Plants South Australia Region

	A long-lived reed-like plant with upright stems usually growing 45 to 120cm tall, but occasionally reaching up to 1.5m in height. The umbrella papyrus is often cultivated as a garden ornamental, particularly in ponds and water features. It has escaped cultivation and become established along waterways and in wetlands, particularly near habitation including conservation areas in the Adelide Hills.

The species reproduces mainly by seed, though it can spread to form large clumps via short rhizomes.

Alternative Plants


Photo: Tupelo Grove Nursery		Chinese water chestnut Eleocharis dulcis Aquatic Plants

	Chinese water chestnut is a grass-like sedge grown in many countries for its edible corms t is an aquatic vegetable that grows in water margins and bogs. It has stem-like, tubular green leaves that grow 50cm to 1.5m tall. The plant spreads by a creeping rhizome which, through the summer months, produces additional sucker plants.

Photo: Shaun O'Brien		Didgery Sticks Baloskion pallens Aquatic Plants

	A type of native sedge that forms a clump of wiry upright stems giving a grass-like appearance. It has golden brown flowers on the ends of the stems in spring. Good for vertical accent in garden beds or pots. Will grow in well-drained soil but equally tolerates waterlogged conditions and adapts well to heavy soils. Likes a full sun position to be at its best.

Photo: Gondwana Landscapes & Consultancy and State Flora		Spiny flat-sedge Cyperus vaginatus Aquatic Plants

	An attractive Australian native sedge forming a clump 500cm to 1m wide with upright stems to 1m high and bright green leaves. Favouring a damp position but will withstand periods of drought in dappled light to full sun. Will tolerate inundation with water.