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Description: Cyperus javanicus is a perennial, coarse-tufted sedge that is short to medium-sized, up to 40-100 cm (~2-4 ft) tall with slightly triangular culms (stems). It is reportedly a short-lived perennial species, living less than five years. C. javanicus produces 12 to 24 spikelets with pale yellow to brownish inconspicuous flowers in the form of compound umbrella-like clusters up to about 15 cm (6 in) across; these small inflorescenses have branched rays up to 10 cm (4 in) long. The small fruits of this sedge are 3-angled, ellipsoid, dark-brown or black achenes.
Distribution: The specific (epithet) name “javanicus” (for Cyperus javanicus) indicates that this sedge is native to Indonesia; however, C. javanicus is also assumed to be indigenous to a number of other tropical regions. In its natural habitat, C. javanicus (commonly known as the “marsh sedge”) is found frequently in sandy coastal areas, mud flats, coastal wetlands exposed to brackish or salty water, at the landward edge of the mangroves, and sometimes in lowland taro plantations (e.g., see Stemmermann 1981). Although C. javanicus may sometimes be regarded as a weedy plant, itis apparently native to some Micronesian islands and many other tropical areas of the world. Fosberg et al. (1975) referred to the broad range of this sedge with an abnormal distribution in the Northern Mariana Islands:
“[C. javanicus is a] widespread and common Indo-Pacific species usually from saline habitats, generally rather close to the sea. Its behavior in the Northern Marianas is unusual, in that it seems not at all confined to saline places, and reaches high elevations. A possible explanation is that the small flora in these islands provides only reduced competition, permitting the species to show its real tolerance for a much wider range of conditions than is possible in most of its geographic range.”
Uses by Island or Island Group: Cyperus javanicus has been used among Pacific Islanders for a variety of traditional and more modern purposes. For example, it was cultivated and extensively utilized by native Hawaiians for cordage, garlands (lei) and medicine (in Hawaiian this sedge is known as ‘ahu‘awa (see e.g., http://data.bishopmuseum.org/ethnobotanydb). C. javanicus can also be used in environmental conservation and restoration projects; e.g., it is tolerant of flooding and can be planted near stream banks to control erosion:
“It is an excellent natural feature for restoration projects and used as food, nesting material and shelter by native waterfowl. This sedge tolerates salty water and soils. The plants will naturally reseed themselves for regeneration without becoming invasive” (http://nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Cyperus_javanicus#plantcharacteristics).
Uses or presence in Palau: Cole et al. (1987:11)reported Cyperus javanicus as a common species in marshy, saline environments in Palau where the herbaceous vegetation growing in salt or brackish water conditions is dominant.
Uses or presence in Yap: C. javanicus is a relatively common herbaceous species, especially at the edge of mangrove forests.
Uses or presence in Mariana Islands: C. javanicus is found in the coastal marshes and edges of mangrove vegetation in the Mariana Islands islands. More needs to be determined regarding traditional uses of this common sedge species in the Mariana Islands
Uses in Chuuk: This perennial native sedge (C. javanicus) known as Nikasafasaf or by other vernacular names on Chuuk is said to be used as "fishing medicine" (Goodenough and Sugita 1980). Note: Scleria polycarpa is another native sedge (Cyperaceae) found in Chuuk which is also known as Nikasafasaf; S. polycarpa is large sedge, up to 1.5 m (5 ft) tall with sharp-edged leaves 5-25 mm (1/4-1 in) wide, is reportedly used in traditional medicine, and the leaves are sometimes placed in the bottom of cooking pots to avoid scorching the utensil.
Uses in Namoluk Atoll: Marshall (1975:28) recorded the following information for an unidentified sedge species (Cyperus sp.) known as Puker en le pwol (?) on Namoluk atoll: “Specimen collected was found growing in the main taro swamp; identification by informants was only tentative. The leaves and stems are a medicinal ingredient.” This report from Namoluk could refer to C. javanicus or another sedge species adapted to wet lowland conditions?
Uses on Pingelap: Damas (1994:232) lists the native name for the Cyperus javanicus sedge as Sapasak on Pingelap Atoll, and refers to St. John (1947) who described C. javanicus on Pingalap as “growing at edge of fresh swamp and being used to remove the [odor] from the body [with inflorescences that] were used for perfume.”
Uses or presence on Mokil and Ant Atolls: Glassman (1953:298) indicated that the Cyperus javanicus sedge is known on Mokil Atoll as “Mordong” and could be found occurring commonly in the coastal strand and in coconut groves. Glassman (1953:305) also collected C. javanicus on Ant Atoll (eight miles from Pohnpei Island) where this sedge was reportedly known as “Kusakus” and was also commonly found along beach environments and in coconut groves.
Uses in Marshall Islands: The Marshallese name for the Cyperus javanicus sedgeis reportedly Wūjooj-in-eoon-bōl(orWūjooj-in-pat?); Wūjooj-in-eoon-bōlcan be translated as the “grass of the edge of the taro pit,” and indeed C. javanicus is found on Majuro “growing wild in isolated clusters and tufts and in colonies in moist habitats on the coastal strip, in and around taro pits in Laura, on the inner border of the coastal strand, and in ruderal habitats” (Vander Velde 2003). The “fruits” (achenes) of some varieties of this sedge are reportedly edible and thus consumed on some atolls; in addition, fibrous sections of this sedge are useful as brushes (see Lamberson 1982).
Uses in Kiribati: Catala (1957:77, 91) referred to the Cyperus javanicus sedge as a plant used in Kiribati for ornamental purposes, mainly utilization of the inflorescences in the making of garlands (lei); Catala also referred to the use of the fibrous stems of C. javanicus and C. laevigatus (see below) in graceful skirts (riri), as well as to make fishing lines, nets, etc. For example, on the island of Onotoa in Kiribati, Catala (1957:91) indicated that C. javanicus was used “for weaving fishing lines and nets, and that the stems can be pulled off without uprooting the whole plant.”
Uses in Nauru: According to Thaman et al. (1994:50), C. javanicus is found on Nauru “growing wild in isolated clusters and tufts and in colonies or dense populations in moist habitats on the coastal strip, surrounding Buada Lagoon, on the inner border of the coastal strand, and occasionally in mined areas,” and its stems are used to string garlands and fish through their gills and mouths; in addition, the “swollen bottoms eaten occasionally in the past.” The Nauru name for this sedge is Reyenbangabanga, which “means literally the ‘surrounding border,’ referring to the way in which C. javanicus surrounds parts of Buada Lagoon.”