Cyperaceae -- comments
Genera: Cyperus, Carex, Scirpus, etc.
Comments: A “grass-like” family that is easily separable from Poaceae based on floral and vegetative characters. Carex is the largest genus, a taxonomic nightmare with over 3000 species and incredible variation. If you ever want a real challenge, try to key some of these out!
Cyperus papyrus (Papyrus) was used to make one of the early types of paper, and today it is still the toughest paper made. The family contains many ethnobotanically important members including: Cyperus used for making mats in Asia, Cladium used for making thatched houses in Europe, and Scirpus used as medicinals, as well as many others.
Chinese water chestnuts are slices of corms harvested from Eleocharis tuberosa.