Cyperus alternifolius, with the common names of umbrella papyrus, umbrella sedge or umbrella palm, is a grass-like plant in the very large genus Cyperus of the sedge family, Cyperaceae. The plant is native to Madagascar, one of the western Indian Ocean islands. The subspecies Cyperus alternifolius ssp. flabelliformis is also known as Cyperus flabelliformis = Cyperus involucratus Rottb.. Cyperus alternifolius is frequently cultivated as an ornamental plant worldwide. It is planted in gardens in the ground, pots, and in ponds, and as a house plant. It is hardy to USDA Zones: 9a-11b. The cultivar Cyperus alternifolius 'Variegatus' is grown for its variegated foliage and smaller size.