Cyperus sphaerocephalus

Cyperus sphaerocephalus, commonly the yellow sedge and scientifically previously C. obtusiflorus var. flavissimus, is a slender, erect perennial growing from a horizontal rhizome to heights around 45 cm. Its leaves are basal, sheathing and linear to narrowly lanceolate in shape.

The species distribution is in the east and north of South Africa, from the Eastern Cape to the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and the provinces north of the Vaal River, as well as widespread in southern Africa.

The habitat is open and rocky grassland, usually the somewhat damp parts at elevations from 670 m to 2100 m. The habitat population is deemed of least concern early in the twenty first century (Pooley, 1998; Germishuizen and Fabian, 1982; iNaturalist; iSpot; www.wildflowernursery.co.za; http://redlist.sanbi.org).