Scleria ankaratrensis Bauters

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

3. Scleria ankaratrensis Bauters

Scleria ankaratrensis Bauters (2018) 17. — Type : Larridon et al. 2010-0340 (holotype GENT; isotypes K, TAN), Madagascar, Ankaratra, Lac Froid, S19°20'45.0" E47°20'19.8", 1650 m, 24 Apr. 2010.

Tufted annual, slightly decumbent. Culms up to 22 cm tall, with white hairs (up to 0.2 mm). Leaves up to 26 cm by 1–1.2 mm, densely hairy with white hairs (c. 0.2 mm long); sheaths glabrous to densely hairy with a convex, hairy contraligule. Inflorescence terminal, glomerate spicate, up to 9 cm long, sometimes slightly branched near the base, branches not longer than 1 cm; up to 6 glomerules along the main axis. Glomerules consisting of 2–4 spikelets. Spikelets 4–4.5 mm long; glumes densely hairy on the midrib (pistillate ones). Nutlet c. 1.5 by 0.8 mm broad, obovoid, surface slightly trabeculate, trigonous stipe darker in colour.

Distribution — Only known from Ankaratra in Madagascar.

Habitat & Ecology — Boggy lake edges.

Conservation — Since this species has only recently been discovered, more information is needed to perform a detailed conservation assessment. Therefore, it is currently indicated as Data Deficient.