Scleria hildebrandtii Boeckeler

Goetghebeur, P. & Larridon, I., 2019, A revision of Scleria (Cyperaceae) in Madagascar, Blumea 64 (3), pp. 195-213 : 206

16. Scleria hildebrandtii Boeckeler

Scleria hildebrandtii Boeckeler (1880a) 454. — Type: Hildebrandt 2044 (lectotype designated here:P00465972; isolectotype P00465973), Kenya, Fessland von Mombassa, Aug. 1877.

Annual with short rhizome, tufted, many basal leaves persistent as scales. Culm 40–60 cm by 1.5–2 mm. Leaves 15– 20 cm by 5–8 mm, glabrous; antrorse hairs present along the margin on the distal half; margin scabrid; sheaths sometimes shortly winged; contraligule truncated, membranous and puberulous on the surface. Inflorescence a truncated panicle with leafy bracts; usually two panicles per node; leafy bracts much longer than the inflorescence on the basal panicles, and at least as long in the terminal. Spikelets unisexual or subandrogynous; glumes straw-coloured to reddish, 5–5.5 mm long. Nutlets 3.5 by 1.7–2 mm, oblong, smooth, although sometimes very slightly pitted, white; hypogynium without conspicuous lobes as the other species, margin obscure with red dots.

Distribution — Eastern coast of Africa and northeastern coast of Madagascar.

Habitat & Ecology — In Madagascar, it is only known from two localities in the province of Mahajanga. It was found on limestone and sandy soils at sea level.

Conservation — Scleria hildebrandtii occurs along the eastern coast of Africa and the northeastern coast of Madagascar. There are no specific threats which affect this species. Therefore, it is here assessed as Least Concern.

Additional specimens. MADAGASCAR, Mahajanga, Feb. 1908, H. Perrier de la Bâthie 2485 (P01888605); environs de Marovoray (Boïar) , May 1925, H. Perrier de la Bâthie 17252 (K, P01888604, TAN001259 ) .

Note — It has been confused with specimens of S. foliosa with smooth nutlets. However, the nutlets of S. hildebrandtii are cylindrical to oblong, whereas S. foliosa has an ovoid nutlet that is slightly apiculate.