Rhynchospora cephalotes (L.) Vahl

  • Family

    Cyperaceae (Magnoliophyta)

  • Scientific Name

    Rhynchospora cephalotes (L.) Vahl

  • Description

    Rhynchospora cephalotes description: R. cephalotes (L.) Vahl, Enum. 2: 237 (1806). Scirpus cephalotes L., Sp. Pl. ed. 2: 76 (1762). Type: West Indies, Herb. Linn. sheet no. 71.56 (LINN). Rhizomatous perennial, 32-115 cm tall. Leaves mostly basal, largest blades 45-100 x 0.7-1.7 cm; inflorescence a congested head of c. 50-300 spikelets subtended by 2-4 leaf-like bracts; longest bract (4-) 12-45 x 0.6-1.1 cm, occasionally ciliate at base; mature spikelets ovoid, 4-7 x 1.5-2.5 mm, stramineous to pale reddish-brown; hypogynous bristles 4-7, of varying lengths, the longest equalling or barely exceeding the apex of the style base, antrorsely barbed; achene lenticular, obovate to ovate in outline, 1.1-1.7 x 1.1-1.4 mm, yellowish to reddish-brown, foveolate; style base narrowly triangualr, 1.6-2.5 mm long, usu. greenish. Forest edges and clearings and other partially shaded areas. (Common throughout tropical South America.)

  • Floras and Monographs

    Rhynchospora cephalotes (L.) Vahl: [Article] Mori, S. A., et al. 1997. Guide to the vascular plants of central French Guiana: Part 1. Pteridophytes, gymnosperms, and monocotyledons. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 76: 1-422.

    Rhynchospora cephalotes (L.) Vahl: [Article] Maguire, Bassett. 1972. The botany of the Guayana Highland--part IX. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 23: 1-832.