Common Name: Galingale

General Information

Cyperus longus is an evergreen, perennial, grass-like plant with short, rather thick rhizomes; it produces a cluster of culms up to 100cm tall[]..
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental.
Cyperus longus is widespread, with a stable population, and does not face any major threats. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2020)[].

Known Hazards

The juice of the plant is regarded in some areas to be very poisonous and is said to burn the skin when applied to it[].

Botanical References

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Range

Eurasia - Britain to Spain, east through Turkey and the Caucasua to Arabia, Kazakhstan and India; Africa - most areas

Habitat

Marshes and the margins of water bodies such as lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, canals and ditches[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.80 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Cyperus longus has a wide distribution from the temperate regions of western and southern Europe to the tropics of Africa. It has been reported to withstand temperatures down to around -15°c[].
Prefers a moist sandy loam[, ]. Succeeds in any good garden soil so long as it does not dry out[], it also grows well in up to 30cm of water[].
A very ornamental plant[], though it can spread freely at the roots when well-suited[].
Galingale was one of the favourite spices of the medieval kitchen and was an ingredient of 'pokerounce', a kind of medieval cinnamon toast[]. It is rarely used at present. Both the root and the stem have a sweet moss-like perfume, resembling that of the violet but not so pure. The aroma becomes more fragrant with age[].

Edible Uses

Tuber - used as a spice in soups, pies and sweets[, ].

We have no specific information for this species, but it is said that the inner base of the young stems of all species in this genus can be eaten raw, and make an excellent survival food in times of need[].

Medicinal

The root is a bitter aromatic tonic that is also stomachic and emmenagogue[, ]. It was at one time considered to be a good stomachic and useful in the first stages of dropsy, but it has now fallen into disuse[, ].

An enema prepared from the tuber has been used as a treatment for children with stomach troubles[].

Other Uses

The leaves are used in basketry and for weaving hats, matting etc[].

The root and stem have the scent of violets and are used in perfumery[, , , ]. The aroma becomes more pronounced when the root has been dried and left to age[].

A fibre obtained from the plant is used in paper making[].

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in the spring and keep the compost moist[]. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 6 weeks at 18°c[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Grow on for their first winter in a greenhouse and plant them out in late spring after the last expected frosts.
Division in spring or autumn. Division is simple at almost any time of the year, so long as the roots are not allowed to become dry. Plant them out straight into their permanent positions.