Habit: Cyperus flavescens grows as a clumping annual/perennial herb to 90 cm in height when in flower, with a triangular stem. The basal leaves to 50 cm in length and 5 mm wide with an acute/acuminate leaf apex and scabrous margin. The leaf sheath red – brown.
The incomplete, perfect flowers are arranged in a cluster of 6-12 flattened spikelets in an open panicle. The spikelets are at the end of a triangular shaped peduncle and are subtended by 3 – 7 leaf like bracts to 15 cm in length. The spikelets are clear and green at maturity, to 3 cm in length. Each spikelet has 20-30 flowers with a zig-zag rachis. The flowers are subtended by an ovate brown bract. There is no calyx or corolla. There are 2 – 3 stamens. The ovary is superior with a single locule with a 2-parted style. The fruit is a oblong achene at maturity.
Habitat: Cyperus flavescens grows in and around the edges of Fresh Water Wetlands.
Distribution: Cyperus flavescens, in the Lucayan Archipelago, has been observed in the Exuma Cays. It is known to occur throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the plant.
Medicinal/Cultural/Economic usage: Cyperus flavescens is not known to be used medicinally in the Bahamas.