Kyllinga

Herbs, annual or perennial, cespitose or not, rhizomatous or not. Culms solitary or not, trigonous. Leaves basal; ligules absent; blades flat or V-shaped in cross section. Inflorescences terminal, rarely pseudolateral, spikes 1–4, sessile, densely ovoid or cylindric; spikelets [15–]40–150 per spike, not readily distinguished by unaided eye; involucral bracts 2–4, spreading or erect, leaflike. Spikelets: scales 2(–3), distichous; proximal scale subtending bisexual flower; distal scale empty or subtending 1–2 stamens, often abortive. Flowers bisexual or staminate; perianth absent; stamens 1–3; styles linear, 2-fid, base persistent. Achenes biconvex, laterally compressed.

Distribution

Mostly tropical or warm-temperate regions worldwide.

Discussion

Species 40–45 (5 in the flora).

Tropical Africa contains the greatest diversity of Kyllinga species.

The genus is closely related to Cyperus and has been treated as a subgenus.

Selected References

Delahoussaye, A. J. and J. W. Thieret. 1967. Cyperus subgenus Kyllinga (Cyperaceae) in the continental United States. Sida 3: 128–136.

Padhye, M. D. 1971. Studies in the Cyperaceae. III. Life history of Kyllinga brevifolia Rottb. with a brief discussion on the taxonomic position of Kyllinga. Bot. Gaz. 132: 172–179.

Tucker, G. C. 1984. A revision of the genus Kyllinga Rottb. (Cyperaceae) in Mexico and Central America. Rhodora 86: 507–538.

Lower Taxa

Kyllinga brevifolia, Kyllinga gracillima, Kyllinga odorata, Kyllinga pumila, Kyllinga squamulata

Key

1	Midvein of floral scales winged, laciniate; anthers 2 mm.	Kyllinga squamulata
1	Midvein of floral scales not winged, ciliate or glabrous; anthers less than 2 mm.	> 2
2	Plants widely creeping, rhizomatous.	> 3
2	Plants densely cespitose, rhizomatous or not.	> 4
3	Longest bract erect; style 0.6–1.2 mm.	Kyllinga brevifolia
3	Longest bract horizontal to slightly reflexed; style 1.8–2.2 mm.	Kyllinga gracillima
4	Plants perennial; spikes whitish; achenes with whitish stipitate base.	Kyllinga odorata
4	Plants annual; spikes pale greenish; achenes light brown.	Kyllinga pumila