Cyperus refractus

Illustrator: Yevonn Wilson-Ramsey

Copyright: Flora of North America Association

Herbs, perennial, cespitose, with inconspicuous, short rhizomes scarcely visible between culm bases. Culms basally cormlike, trigonous, 30–100 cm × 2–4 mm, glabrous. Leaves V-shaped to flat, 20–70 cm × 3–8 mm, adaxial surface, margins minutely scabridulous. Inflorescences: spikes loose, broadly ellipsoid to ovoid, 4–7 × 2–6 cm; rays 6–13(–16), 4–25 cm, glabrous; rachis 1.5–3 cm; bracts 3–6, horizontal to ascending at 30°, flat, 5–35 cm × 2.5–6 mm; rachilla persistent, wings 0.4–0.5 mm wide. Spikelets (13–)20–60(–74), linear, ± terete, (11–)13–25(–28) × 1.2–1.5 mm; distal spikelets spreading or ascending; floral scales persistent, (2–)3–6, stramineous, red-purple striate, laterally 3–5-ribbed, ovate-lanceolate, 4.5–5.3 × 1.2–1.5 mm. Flowers: anthers 1–1.5 mm; styles 1.5 mm; stigmas 1.5 mm. Achenes brown to purplish brown, oblong-linear (5–6 times long as wide), 2.6–3 × 0.5–0.6 mm, base cuneate, apex obtuse, surfaces puncticulate.

Phenology: Fruiting summer (Jul–Aug).
Habitat: Sandy riverbanks, gravelly roadsides, pastures, disturbed places
Elevation: 20–300 m

Distribution

• Generated Map
• Legacy Map

Ala., Ark., D.C., Ga., Md., Mo., N.C., Pa., S.C., Tenn., Va., W.Va.

Discussion

Cyperus refractus is often mistaken for C. strigosus, which has shorter anthers (0.4–0.5 mm) and spreading, ± deciduous floral scales.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.