Jointed flatsedge, Priprioca, Piripiri

Cyperus articulatus

Physical Characteristics

Cyperus articulatus is an evergreen Perennial growing to 1.8 m (6ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can grow in water.

Distribution

Widespread in warm temperate to tropical areas of the Americas, Africa through Arabia to India.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Used as a flavoring for food.

Medicinal Uses

Abortifacient Anthelmintic Antibacterial Antibilious Antiemetic Antifungal Carminative Contraceptive Digestive Epilepsy Febrifuge Hypotensive Malaria Sedative Tonic Piripiri has a long history of use in herbal medicine systems in South America. It is particularly valued for its beneficial effect upon the digestive system and is commonly used to treat nausea, vomiting, stomach-aches, and intestinal gas[ 318 ]. The plant is anthelmintic, antibacterial, antiemetic, antifungal, carminative, contraceptive, digestive, febrifuge and sedative[ 318 ]. More recently, interest has grown about the plants possible use in treating conditions such as epilepsy and convulsions. Researchers in Africa have published several studies which suggest that the plant can mediate many of the brain chemical reactions which are required in epilepsy and report that the rhizome has anti-epileptic actions. In addition, other laboratory research reports that the plant has anti-convulsant actions, as well as sedative actions[ 318 ]. The fresh rhizomes are ground up to extract the juice, which is used as a nerve tonic in cases of stress and nervous and mental disorders (including epilepsy). It is also used to treat and prevent a wide range of digestive and gastrointestinal disorders; to treat fevers and flu; to facilitate child birth or to induce an abortion; as a contraceptive; and for throat cancer[ 318 ]. Externally, it is used to heal wounds and treat snake bite, whilst it is also put on the head as a hair tonic and to treat or prevent baldness[ 318 ]. A leaf infusion is employed for treating headaches; colds and flu; mouth sores and ulcers; and hypertension[ 318 ]. The whole plant is decocted to relieve nausea and vomiting caused from malaria[ 318 ].

Known Hazards

None known