Fimbristylis cymosa

Tropical fimbry
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1) [1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Clade:	Commelinids
Order:	Poales
Family:	Cyperaceae
Genus:	Fimbristylis
Species:	F. cymosa
Binomial name
Fimbristylis cymosa R.Br.
Subspecies [2]
Fimbristylis cymosa subsp. cymosa Fimbristylis cymosa subsp. umbellatocapitata(Hillebr.) T.Koyama
Synonyms [2]
Fimbristylis cymosa var. typicaDomin Iria cymosa(R.Br.) Kuntze Scirpus cymosus(R.Br.) Poir.

Fimbristylis cymosa, commonly known as tropical fimbry, or St. John's sedge, ^[3] is a sedge of the family Cyperaceae. It has a wide distribution in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Australasia, and the Pacific. ^[2]

The rhizomatous perennial grass-like or herb sedge typically grows to a height of 0.25 to 0.8 metres (1 to 3 ft). It blooms between February and September and produces brown flowers. ^[4]

In Western Australia it is found near the coast, on dunes and behind mangroves in the Kimberley region where it grows in sandy-clay alluvium around basalt or sandstone rocks. ^[4]

References

1. Zhuang, X. (2013). "Fimbristylis cymosa". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2013: e.T168643A68266416. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T168643A68266416.en . Retrieved 15 July 2023.
2. "Fimbristylis cymosa R.Br". Plants of the World Online . Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew . Retrieved 4 August 2025.
3. "Native plants of the Marshalls". Republic of the Marshall Islands Biodiversity Clearing House Mechanism. RMI Office of Environmental Planning and Policy Coordination. Archived from the original on 25 June 2022.
4. "Fimbristylis cymosa". FloraBase . Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.