Cyperus bulbosus

Cyperus bulbosus is a species of sedge found across Africa, the Middle East, Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia.[1] In Australia, it is commonly called (Australian) bush onion or "wild onion", but is not related to the onion or other Alliaceae. It is a component of Australian bushfood, but is considered an agricultural weed in other areas.

Cyperus bulbosus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Cyperaceae
Genus: Cyperus
Species:
C. bulbosus
Binomial name
Cyperus bulbosus

Description

C. bulbosus is perennial and rhizomatous, with fine grassy foliage and triangular culms.[2] The inflorescence is rarely branched and consists of a cluster of spikes of reddish-brown bracts, eventually producing small, three-sided seeds.[2]

The small tubers which form on short stolons are a traditional bush tucker food for Australian Aboriginal peoples. They are dug up on creek banks when the grass of the onion has dried out. The husk can also be eaten. They are eaten raw or cooked in the hot earth by the fire.

Cultural significance

Its name in the Arrernte language of Central Australia is merne yalke. In a neighbouring language, Kaytetye, it is called erreyakwerra. Some Kaytetye, the Kwerrimpe women, have a bush onion dreaming[3] which involves the bush onion and the origins of the Kaytetye people and language. This means they have been given stories of the origins of the bush onion, and are entitled to tell these stories and paint about them. Artists who have painted bush onion dreaming include Nora Andy Napaltjarri[4] and her sister Ada Andy Napaltjarri.[5]

Agricultural pest

Outside of its range in Australia, it is often considered an agricultural pest. For example, it is found as a weed in rice culture.[6]

See also

References
  1. http://apps.kew.org/wcsp/namedetail.do?name_id=235931
  2. "Cyperus bulbosus Vahl". New South Wales Flora Online. National Herbarium of New South Wales. Retrieved 17 August 2010.
  3. Turpin, Myfany (comp.), Growing up Kaytete: Stories by Tommy Kngwarraye Thompson, Jukurrpa Books, Alice Springs, 2003, ISBN 1-86465-049-4, pp 3-5
  4. "Nora Napaljarri Andy". Dictionary of Australian Artists Online. 2007. Retrieved 19 September 2009.
  5. Birnberg, Margo; Janusz Kreczmanski (2004). Aboriginal Artist Dictionary of Biographies: Australian Western, Central Desert and Kimberley Region. Marleston, South Australia: J.B. Publishing. p. 213. ISBN 978-1-876622-47-3.
  6. "Common weeds in rice fields". Ikisan. Archived from the original on 6 September 2010.
  • Turner, Margaret-Mary, Arrernte Foods: Foods from Central Australia, IAD Press, Alice Springs, 1994, ISBN 0-949659-76-2, p22.


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