Machaerina flexuosa (Boeckeler) J.Kern

Cyperaceae, K Hoenselaar, B. Verdcourt & H. Beentje. Hypolytrum, D Simpson. Fuirena, M Muasya. Flora of Tropical East Africa. 2010

Morphology General Habit

Perennial, stout, up to 150 cm tall, with rhizomes.

Morphology Culms

Culms tussocky, 90–120 cm long, 5–6 mm wide, glabrous

Morphology Leaves

Leaves 6–12 mm wide, margins smooth, apex acuminate

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences Bracts

Involucral bracts leaf-like

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences

Spikes at the end of primary and secondary branches, 6–10 mm in diameter, consisting of 2–4 crowded (sub-)sessile spikelets 5–6 mm long, with at least the lower glumes distichously arranged, 6–12-flowered Inflorescence a relatively large panicle, 25–50 cm long, made up by 5–8 fasicles, each with 2–4 primary branches up to 7 cm long.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences Bracts Glume

Glumes with short hairy margin

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Androecium Stamens

Stamens 3: the connective of the anthers ending in a long prominent point

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Gynoecium Style

Style with 3 long branches

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Nutlet ovoid, rounded in section, strongly scabrid near the apex; the stylebase persistent as an acute beak

Figures

Fig. 56, p370