Schoenus cuspidatus Rottb.

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

Type

Type: none mentioned

Morphology General Habit

Annual, up to 60 cm long.

Morphology Culms

Culms rounded, 17–47 cm long, 0.4–1 mm wide, with (shallow) longitudinal ridges, glabrous, but with scale-like structures towards the inflorescence

Morphology Leaves

Leaf blade narrowly linear, canaliculate, 10–25 cm long, 0.6–1.2 mm wide, margins scabrid near the base of the blade, less so towards the apex, apex acuminate Leaf sheath black at the base, upper part red, old leaf sheaths fibrous, 1.1–10 cm long. Leaves up to 30 cm long.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences Bracts

Involucral bract leaf-like, sheath absent or ± 0.4 cm long; blade 3.5–8.5 cm long, 0.4–1 mm wide

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences

Inflorescence a slender panicle.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences Spikelets

Spikelets 3–4 per cluster, branches at each division with a dark red-black surrounding sheath and scale, scale scabrid, as long as or overtopping the spikelet. Spikelets in clusters at the end of primary branches, primary branches 2–3, 0–1.3 cm long. Spikelet narrowly lanceolate, 3.2–7.3 mm long, 0.5–1.2 mm wide, rachis straight.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences Bracts Glume

Glumes 6–7 per spikelet, distichously arranged, increasing in size towards the apex, basal glume scale-like, awned, 1–2 mm long, upper two flower-bearing glumes reddish-brown, lanceolate-elliptic, 2.5–6.2 mm long, 1–1.4 mm wide, apex acuminate, glabrous

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Perianth

Perianth bristles seemingly absent or very inconspicuous

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Androecium Stamens

Stamens 3: filaments 3–4.2 mm long.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Androecium Stamens Anthers

Anthers 2.7–4.2 mm long, with conspicuous flat elongate connectives exceeding the anthers

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Gynoecium Style

Style with 3 hairy branches

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Nutlet only seen immature

Figures

Fig. 57, p372

Ecology

No data

Note

This single collection was found in the Meise herbarium (BR); after careful examination it seemed to match the South African species T. cuspidata. Caution has to be taken, as the material is immature and especially the spikelets are not properly developed yet, making it impossible to compare flower and nutlet characters. The description is completed with data from South African material.

Distribution

Range: South Africa Flora districts: K3