Pani chech or Purple spikerush, Eleocharis atropurpurea

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Pani chech or Purple spikerush (Eleocharis atropurpurea, family: Cyperaceae) is an annual slender and short-stemmed tufted grass. It does not exceed 15 cm in length. A few stems are seen to grow in a round or crescent shape. The aquatic plant is salt tolerant. It survives by being submerged in tidal water. 


It is found in the coastal regions as well as the submerged crop fields and damp places in Bangladesh. It is widespread in all tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Leaves are slender, light green with pointed tip.

Photos are snapped in Guliyakhali beach, Sitakundo, Chottogram

Each peduncle, which is long bears only single inflorescence. Inflorescence is round or ovoid, 2-5 cm long, deep brown in color, adults purple. Flowering occurs from April to November. 


Fruits are nuts, triangular, whitish or yellowish, shiny, 5-7, bristled. Bristles are as long as the nuts. The herb is propagated by seeds. 

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