Eleocharis atropurpurea is a species of spikesedge known by the common name purple spikerush. This is an aquatic plant native to much of (Africa, eastern and southern Asia, Australia, Latin America). It also has a wide distribution in temperate regions of North and South America and Asia. It is present in Europe, where it may be an introduced species for the most part.Eleocharis atropurpurea can be found in wet areas from ocean shores to rice fields and irrigation ditches to inland lakes and rivers. This is an annual sedge rarely exceeding ten centimeters in height. It grows in tufts with few reddish-green leaves and many thin erect stems. Atop each stem is an oval-shaped, pointed inflorescence consisting of a spikelet under a centimeter long and containing at least ten flowers. Each tiny flower is covered by a bract which is a purplish-brown color. The fruit is a minute shiny black achene less than a millimeter long.
Purple spikerush is resistant to disease and typically not susceptible to illnesses. Regarding care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs minimal watering, and larger plants usually do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be trimmed after they have finished blooming. Purple spikerush is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand a great deal of care experience.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Grass
- Life Cycle
- Annual
- Genus
- Eleocharis
- Family
- Cyperaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 5-9
- Mature Height
- 0 cm to 30 cm
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Native Area
- Burkina Faso, India, Turkey, Mexico, Namibia, Madagascar, Rwanda, Pakistan, Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Jamaica, Niger, Uzbekistan, Mali, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Iraq, Cuba, Benin, Indonesia, Venezuela, Brazil, Ghana, Ethiopia, Botswana, Congo, Central African Republic, Malawi, Tajikistan, South Africa, Zambia, Sudan, Mauritania, Guinea, Chad, China, Bahamas, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Bolivia, Myanmar, Japan, Togo, Bhutan, Senegal, Eswatini, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Gambia, Congo (DRC), Gabon
Other names.
