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This is a common species of sedge, which is found in water logged moist locations of the low country dry zone. This plant is also native to China, India, Nepal, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Africa, Australia and Madagascar.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (National Red List 2012).

I have seen this species always close to water on the margins of dry zone water bodies, paddy fields and marshlands etc.

Many parts of this plant are used in traditional folk medicine to treat a number of varied ailments. The roots are used as an aphrodisiac and to treat pneumonia, cough, fever, malaria and ovulation complications. The tubers are used as a purgative to treat diarrhea. The leaf juice is used to cure headaches.

 In India the local communities in Bengali extract the matured nuts from the spikes and use them in the preparation of sweets such as Laddu.

In Wilpattu this species can be seen on the edges of many water bodies such as Kaali Villu.