Cyperus helferi is one of the few plants of the Cyperaceae family that can live underwater. It was brought to the attention of aquarists around the world by the famous Japanese Takashi Amano, who used it first to create its fascinating aquatic scenery.

Cyperus helferi is a plant originally from Southeast Asia, widely known especially in Thailand, where it grows both submersed or emersed, on the banks of the standing water or in slow flowing water.

Cyperus helferi produces long leaves that bend elegantly along the water column. Despite the fact that it is a “rosette” style plant, it develops a very small system of roots. Many smaller plants are produced at the base of healthy, well-stabilized specimens.