Kyllinga brevifolia is a species of sedge known by several common names, including shortleaf spikesedge, green kyllinga, perennial greenhead sedge, and kyllinga weed. It is native to tropical areas in the Americas but it can be found in warm regions around the world where it is an introduced species. This is a rhizomatous perennial herb growing one to several erect stems to heights up to about half a meter, often much shorter. It produces tiny inflorescences of a few spikelets each which in total are less than a centimeter long. Pollens are tiny, approximately 20-30 microns in size. It is sometimes a weed in wet areas such as cultivated land and irrigation ditches.
Shortleaf Spikesedge has good resistance to disease and is typically not prone to illnesses. Regarding care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only minimal watering, and larger plants usually do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have finished blooming. Shortleaf Spikesedget is appropriate for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or deck, and does not need much care experience.
How to keep Kyllinga Brevifolia.
Light
The shortleaf Spikesedge does well in sunlit conditions and can tolerate somewhat lower light levels. Native to places with abundant sunlight, it prefers similar conditions. Too much light or too little can harm its health, affecting the plant's growth and overall well-being.
Temperature
Shortleaf Spikesedge, native to warm regions, does best in temperatures between 68 and 105 ℉ (20 and 41 ℃). In cooler months, the plant can benefit from somewhat warmer indoor temperatures to encourage growth. If temperatures fall below 50 ℉ (10 ℃), growth may slow or stop.
Fertilizer
Shortleaf Spikesedge needs extra nutrients to encourage healthy new growth. In spring, applying compost around the base of the plant can effectively supply the nutrition it requires. Fertilizing supports vigorous growth and helps the plant resist diseases and pests.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Grass
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Kyllinga
- Family
- Cyperaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-13
- Mature Height
- 15 cm
- Mature Spread
- 91 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Green, Yellow
- Flower Size
- 0.51 cm to 1.02 cm
- Bloom Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer
- Native Area
- Sri Lanka, Belize, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Guatemala, Madagascar, Pakistan, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Russia, Jamaica, Cuba, Indonesia, Cambodia, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia, Mozambique, Venezuela, Cameroon, Brazil, Koppen, South Korea, Botswana, Central African Republic, Nepal, Malawi, Honduras, Peru, South Africa, Zambia, Sudan, Philippines, Laos, Bangladesh, Panama, China, Colombia, Bahamas, Afghanistan, Bolivia, Myanmar, Japan, Togo, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guyana, Bhutan, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Congo (DRC), Thailand
Other names.
