Scleria andringitrensis Cherm.

Goetghebeur, P. & Larridon, I., 2019, A revision of Scleria (Cyperaceae) in Madagascar, Blumea 64 (3), pp. 195-213 : 201-202

2. Scleria andringitrensis Cherm.

Scleria andringitrensis Cherm. (1923) 297. — Type: Perrier de la Bâthie 14385 (lectotype designated by Bauters et al. 2019: P00457098; isolectotypes: K000363345, P00457099, P00457100, TAN000431 ), Madagascar, Fianarantsoa, Massif de l’Andringitra , 2200 m, Mar. 1922.

Perennial, caespitose. Culms 20–30 cm by 0.5–0.8 mm, glabrous. Leaves 1–1.5 mm broad, glabrous, sheaths glabrous; contraligule hairy. Inflorescence a 15 cm spike with unbranched glomerules spread every 2–3 cm; each glomerule consists of 1–3 erect androgynous spikelets. Spikelets with glumes 5–5.5 mm long; glumes glabrous, reddish. Nutlet 1.3 by 1 mm, ellipsoid, white, conspicuously transversally striated ( Fig. 2o ).

Distribution — Endemic to Madagascar.

Habitat & Ecology — Endemic to the Andringitra Massif, growing in ericoid forest, alt. 1600–2200 m.

Conservation — Scleria andringitrensis is endemic to Madagascar and found only in the Andringitra Protected Area. This species is only known from two herbarium specimens, the most recent of which was collected in 1970. The estimation of AOO (8 km 2) does not exceed the value of the Critical Endangered category, and the species is only known from one location. This species and its habitat are threatened by grazing and increased frequency of fires for the renewal of pastures (F. Rakotonasolo, pers. comm. 2017). Therefore, it is assessed as Critically Endangered under the criterion B2ab(ii,iii).

Additional specimens. MADAGASCAR, Fianarantsoa, Massif de l’Andringitra, 2200 m, Mar.1922, H.Perrier de la Bâthie 14385 (K);ibid., 1700 m, 2 Mar.1970, J.L.Guillaumet 3502 (P01898843); Reserve Naturelle IntegraleAndringitra, Plateau d’Andohariana , 1950–2000 m, S22°10' E046°54', 5 Feb.1997, C. Rakotovao et al. 753 (K) .

Note — The shape and ornamentation of the nutlets of S. andringitrensis is unique amongst the rest of Madagascan species, and makes it very easy to identify.

Figures

Fig. 2 Nutlets of Scleria species occurring in Madagascar. a–b. S. madagascariensis; c–d. S. trialata; e. S. baronii; f. S. perpusilla; g–h. S. rosea; i–j. S. hilsenbergii; k–l. S. rutenbergiana; m–n. S. angusta; o. S. andringitrensis (a–b: Rakotozafy 2741; c–d: Lance 30; e. Hoffman 221; f. Decary 7695; g–h: Ranarivelo 282; i–j. Rajaonary 45; k–l: Wilkin 941; m–n: Boivin s.n.; o: Perrier de la Bâthie 14385; all K).