Scleria

Bauters, K., Larridon, I. & Goetghebeur, P., 2019, A taxonomic study of Scleria subgenus Hypoporum: synonymy, typification and a new identification key, Phytotaxa 394 (1), pp. 1-49 : 5

Scleria subgenus Hypoporum (Nees) C.B.Clarke in Hooker, Fl. Brit. India 6: 685. 1894.

Lectotype:— ( lectotype designated by Kern (1961: 196)) Scleria pergracilis (Nees) Kunth, Enum. Pl. 2: 354. 1837. Basionym:— Hypoporum pergracile Nees.

Diagnosis:— Scleria subgen. Hypoporum can be recognised by its annual or perennial habit, androgynous spikelets, and a reduced hypogynium. The inflorescence is a linear spike of separate, sessile spikelet clusters subtended by a short glume-like or leafy bract. This inflorescence is mostly terminal ( Fig. 1 A ). In some cases a few lateral branches arise from this highest axil or from the lower axils ( Fig. 1 B ).

Figures

FIGURE 1. A. Simple terminal glomerate-spicate inflorescence; terminal main branch with glomerules along its axis. B. Inflorescence with terminal and lateral branches; the two or three highest leaves have an axil that will develop inflorescence branches. Drawing by Kenneth Bauters.