Cyperus flaccidus is a sedge of the family Cyperaceae that is native to Australia.[1]
| Cyperus flaccidus | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Cyperaceae |
| Genus: | Cyperus |
| Species: | C. flaccidus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Cyperus flaccidus | |
Description
editThe annual grass like sedge typically grows to a height of 0.1 to 0.2 metres (0.33 to 0.66 ft). It blooms between May and April producing green flowers.[2]
The leaves are 1 to 2 mm (0.039 to 0.079 in) wide, and are often reduced to sheaths and much shorter than the culms. The simple head-like inflorescences have between three and seven branches and are around 8 cm (3.1 in) in length. The digitate clusters to have a diameter of around 15 mm (0.59 in) with leaf-like bracts the lowest of which is erect and looks like a continuation of the culm and has alength exceeding that of the inflorescence. There are two to eight flattened spikelets cluster containing 20 flowers. After flowering a broad ovoid shaped brown nut will form that is 0.5 mm (0.020 in) in length with a diameter of about 0.3 mm (0.012 in).[3]
Taxonomy
editThe species was first formally described by the botanist Robert Brown in 1810 as part of the work Prodromus florae Novae Hollandiae et insulae Van-Diemen, exhibens characteres plantarum quas annis 1802-1805. The two known synonyms are; Cyperus trinervis var. flaccidus and Cyperus macellus.[4]
Distribution
editIt is endemic to the eastern states of Australia where it has a scattered distribution throughout eastern Queensland and New South Wales, western Victoria and eastern South Australia. It has small isolated populations in the Northern Territory[4][3] and the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It is mostly situated in creek beds and other damp areas.[1]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "Cyperus flaccidus". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
- ^ Les Robinson (1991). Field Guide to the Native Plants of Sydney (illustrated ed.). Kangaroo Press. ISBN 9780864171924.
- ^ a b "Cyperus flaccidus R.Br". PlantNet. Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney. Retrieved 13 November 2018.
- ^ a b "Cyperus flaccidus R.Br". Atlas of Living Australia. Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 13 November 2018.