Cyperus fan

The plant which we call as "Umbrella palm" is not at all a palm. Its botanical name is 'Cyperus alternifolius'. This particular plant has tall stems. All the leaves are clustered in a whorl in a spiral form at the end of each stem. The whorl of the leaves resembles a fan .The plant can be propagated by division. Keep a whorl of leaves, with only a small stub of stem attached to it floating in wide bowl of water. This too would produce new plantlets. This plant normally grows in slushy soils. But it can be grown as a pot plant too. By planting these near a pond or near a waterfall would give the landscape its natural look.

To make children more interested in nature one can show them various things which would kindle their curiosity. Making a fan of Cyperus leaves is very easy & would be of great interest not only for children but for people of all ages. Witness it in this post.

Umbrella palm (Cyperus alternifolius)

Though commonly known as Umbrella palm, it is not a palm. It belongs to Cyperecae family. The plant has rhizome-like underground stems from which leaves arise. Leaves grow on a very tall stem and all the leaves are arranged densely in a whorl on end of  the stem.

Cyperus alternifolius growing by a stream

It is a bog plant but it can be grown like any other plant in a pot.It is propagated by division of clumps or keeping a leaf whorl floating in water. It a perennial plant is native to Madagascar.

Whorl of leaves in water shows platelets growing