Under My Umberella-ella ella eh eh eh

     Cyperus alternifolius, with the common names of umbrella papyrus, umbrella sedge or umbrella palm, is a grass-like plant in the very large genus Cyperus of the sedge family, Cyperaceae.  The common names for this species all contain the word Umbrella, undoubtedly because each stem is topped by 12 to 20 leafy bracts that droop in all directions from the stem apex giving the distinct appearance of an umbrella.

     The plant is native to Madagascar, in the Indian Ocean off Africa.

     Cultivation - Cyperus alternifolius is frequently cultivated as an ornamental plant worldwide. It is planted in gardens in the ground, pots, and in ponds, and as a house plant. It is hardy to USDA Zones: 9a-11b.

     The umbrella plant is just one species of over 600 in the genus Cyperus. Like most of its Cyperus relatives, this plant inhabits marshes, ponds, or slow moving streams, growing to a height of 1 ½ to 3 feet. It is a perennial in its native habitat, but when grown in areas having seasons with freezing temperatures, it is treated as an annual or grown indoors. The Umbrella plant was introduced into worldwide cultivation about 200 years ago for use in water gardens and as a potted plant.

     Besides propagation by seed, the Umbrella plant has an unusual means of vegetative reproduction. The plant’s stems are relatively weak and tend to crimp and bend over when subjected to even the slightest pressure. This results in the stem apex and leaves being submerged in water, or at least contacting the moist marsh soil. Soon after, the bent stem sends out roots and shoots from beneath its leaves, establishing a new plant. This can be easily duplicated at home by cutting a whole stem from the plant, removing the leaf tips and lower stem to make it more manageable, and placing what remains upside down in a glass of water. One can follow the development of the new plant over the next several weeks. Eventually potted into soil, the plant will grow rapidly into a graceful specimen. It is perfect for the indoor gardener who overwaters, since the Umbrella plant requires a saturated soil and does best if a saucer placed under the pot is kept filled with water.

     Special thanks to my neighbor who gifted me this plant, while simultaneously making me aware of yet another famous Extracted Resemblance.

Sources :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyperus_alternifolius
http://faculty.ucc.edu/biology-ombrello/POW/umbrella_plant.htm
http://natureloveyou.sg/Cyperus%20alternifolius/Main.html