CYPEKUS ROTUNDUS 239 



CYPERACE^E. 



Sedge Family. 

 Cyperus rotundus, L. 



NOM. VULG. Mutha, Tag.; Botobotones, Vis.; Mota, Malaa- 

 polid, Sursur, Onoran, Kusug, Omadiug, Galonalpas, Pam.; 

 Nutgrass or Coco-grass, Eng. 



USES. The root possesses stimulant, diaphoretic, diuretic 

 and emmenagogue properties. In the Philippines it is used in- 

 ternally for dysentery, and in India for the same purpose and 

 as a vermifuge. It is given as a tonic in gastro-intestinal 

 diseases, and General Hardwick has reported good results with 

 it in cholera ; as he reported only two cases, his testimony is 

 not of much value. 



The Chinese use the dry or roasted root, especially in inflam- 

 mation of the viscera and uterine diseases. They also attribute 

 to it diuretic, emmenagogue and anthelmintic properties. In 

 Java and India they use it for gonorrhoea, and in Mauritius as 

 a diaphoretic and astringent. In the Philippines the bruised 

 root is applied to the face for toothache. 



BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION. The root is ovoid, ranging in 

 size from that of a hazel-nut to that of a walnut, composed of 

 a white, spongy substance. Leaves sword-shaped, ensheathing 

 the stem. Flowers in a compound umbel on the end of the 

 stalk which is naked, long and triangular. The umbellets are 

 alternate, awl-shaped, with distinct flowers. Calyx universal, 

 with 2 sword-shaped leaflets. Calyx proper, a very small, 

 ridged scale. Corolla none. Stamens 3. Filaments long, 

 inserted on the base of the ovary. Anthers long and straight. 

 Style 1. Stigmas 3, simple, re volute. Fruit 1. Seed ob- 

 long, 3-sided, glabrous. 



HABITAT. Common in Luzon and Panay. Blooms in 

 June and July. 



