| Australian Bush Onion | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| (unranked): | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Cyperaceae |
| Genus: | Cyperus |
| Species: | C. bulbosus |
| Binomial name | |
| Cyperus bulbosus Vahl |
|
Cyperus bulbosus is a species of sedge found across Africa, India, and Australia. In the latter it is commonly called (Australian) Bush Onion or "wild onion", but is not related to the onion or other alliaceae. It is a component of Australian bushfood but is considered an agricultural weed in other areas.
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C. bulbosus is perennial and rhizomatous, with fine grassy foliage and triangular culms characteristic of the family.[1] The inflorescence is rarely branched and consists of a cluster of spikes of reddish brown bracts, eventually producing small three-sided seeds.[1]
The small tubers which form on short stolons are a traditional bush tucker food for Australian Aborigines. They are dug up on creek banks when the grass of the onion has dried out. The husk can also be eaten. They are eaten raw or cooked in the hot earth by the fire.
Its name in the Arrernte language of Central Australia is Merne yalke. In a neighbouring language, Kaytetye, it is called Erreyakwerra. Some Kaytetye, the Kwerrimpe women, have a bush onion Dreaming[2] which involves the bush onion and the origins of the Kaytetye people and language. This means they have been given stories of the origins of the bush onion, and are entitled to tell these stories and paint about them. Artists who have painted bush onion dreaming include Nora Andy Napaltjarri[3] and her sister Ada Andy Napaltjarri.[4]
Outside of its range in Australia, it is often considered an agricultural pest. For example, it is found as a weed in rice culture.[5]