Spike Rush

Title

Spike Rush

Author(s)

Ethan H. Freid

Scientific Name

Eleocharis cellulosa Torr.

Description

Common Names

Spike Rush

Cyperaceae

Eleocharis cellulosa grows as a clumping herb that produces rhizomes. The stems are round, to 75 cm in height (typically 25 cm), and to 4 mm wide. The leaves are reduced to a reddish sheath with an apiculate tip at the base of the stem.

The actinomorphic flowers occur in spikes at the ends of the stems. A single bract subtends each flower. The calyx and corolla are reduced to 6 bristles. There are 3 stamens. The ovary is superior and has a 3-lobed style and a single locule. The fruit is an achene at maturity. The achene has a conical tubercle.

Eleocharis cellulosa grows along the edges of fresh water wetlands, in Sabal palmetto woodlands and in mangrove areas that are only slightly brackish.

Eleocharis cellulosa occurs on all island groupings in the Bahamian Archipelago as well as the coastline of the United States, and the entire Caribbean region.

Eleocharis cellulosa is not used medicinally in the Bahamas.