Cyperaceae
	Genera : 70-90 Species: 4000   To Genus Directories: Carex Cymophyllus fraseri Cyperus Eriophorum Scirpus

Distribution: Worldwide in moist temperate and arctic regions.

Economic Uses: Source of egyptian 'papyrus' for paper and boats (Cyperus papyrus). Some tubers are grown as agricultural products and some species are cultivated as large ornamental grasses in landscaping.

Defining Features of Interest: The family is grass-like, but has defining features (ie the perigynia) that make its morphology unique and separate.

Fossil Evidence:Fossil plant parts from the Eocene.

Defining Morphology

Floral Features : Actinomorphic or calyx and corolla lacking or reduced to bristles or scales, perfect or unisexual (monoecious). Very small and inconspicuous flowers with unique bracts subtending; one for male flowers and two for female, the second bract of the female flower a 'perigynium' which surrounds the pistil. Inflorescence as a spike or spikelet.

Fruit and Seed Features : Fruit as an achene. Seed often triangle shaped, with a 'mealy' endosperm. Placentation is basal.

Vegetative Features : Habit as perennial herbs ( rarely a shrub). Often in wet areas and with a distinctive three-sided, solid stem. Leaves simple and linear, alternate or basal with closed sheath or ligule present.