Schoenoplectiella hooperae (J.Raynal) Lye

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

Type

Type: Tanzania, Iringa District: Kinyantupa, 25 km from Msembi, Greenway & Kanuri 14441 (K!, holo.; NY, P, iso.)

Morphology General Habit

Annual or perennial (fide Greenway) with dense tufted stems and shallow roots.

Morphology Stem

Stems 3–20 together, 4–15 cm long excluding the inflorescence bract (which adds another 15–40 cm), round or 3-angular, 1–2 mm thick

Morphology Leaves

Leaf sheaths green, much wider than the stem, ending in a triangular lobe; often with solitary basal flower, nutlet to 2.6 × 2.3 mm Leaves absent.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences Bracts

Involucre bract 15–40 cm long

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences

Inflorescence of apparently lateral globose clusters of 3–15 densely packed sessile spikelets.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences Spikelets

Spikelets brown or greenish brown, 4–8 × 2–3 mm.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences Bracts Glume

Glumes lanceolate, 2–3 × 1.1–2.1 mm, midrib green, mucronate

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Androecium Stamens

Stamens 3.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Androecium Stamens Anthers

Anthers ± 0.6 mm long

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Gynoecium Style

Style 3-branched

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Nutlet reddish brown, obovoid-triangular, 1 × 0.6 mm, ± smooth

Ecology

Seasonally wet sites in bushland zone; 500–1450 m

Note

The glume mucro is certainly not always recurved, as Lye indicates as one of the main differentiating characters. In many specimens it is erect.

Distribution

Range: Zambia (1 specimen) Flora districts: T2 T4 T5 T7