Cyperus croceus
Enum. Pl. 2: 357. 1805.
Herbs perennial, cespitose. Culms trigonous, (4–)14–45 cm × 1–2 mm, glabrous. Leaves yellow-green, flat, 18–44 cm × 3–4.5 mm. Inflorescences: spikes densely to loosely globose to ovoid, 10–20 mm wide; rays (3–)5–9(–14), 1–15(–26) cm; rachis 3–6(–9) mm; bracts (4–)6–9(–11), horizontal to ascending at 45°, flat, 1–30 cm × 0.5–4 mm; rachilla deciduous, wings persistent, 0.3–0.5(–0.8) mm wide. Spikelets (10–)30–50, oblong to lanceoloid, quadrangular to subterete, compressed, 4–8 × 1–1.3 mm; distal spikelet spreading or ascending; floral scales persistent, (1–)2–4(–6), appressed, whitish with red speckles, laterally 2–4-ribbed, ovate, 2.3–3.6 × 1.8–2.2 mm. Flowers: anthers 0.5 mm; styles 0.6–1.3 mm; stigmas 1.2–2.6 mm. Achenes reddish brown to nearly black, sessile, oblong, ellipsoid, 2–2.4 × 0.4–0.5(–0.7) mm, apex ± truncate-emarginate, apiculate, surfaces puncticulate.
Phenology: Fruiting summer–early fall.
Habitat: Disturbed, sunny areas, coastal rocks, moist thickets
Elevation: 0–200 m
Distribution
Ala., Ark., Del., Fla., Ga., La., Md., Miss., Mo., N.J., N.C., Okla., Pa., S.C., Tenn., Tex., Va., W.Va., Mexico, West Indies, Central America, South America (Venezuela).
Discussion
Cyperus globulosus Aublet is a synonym of C. luzulae (Linnaeus) Rottbøll ex Retzius, which is a widespread neotropical species, and it has long been misapplied to Cyperus croceus (G. C. Tucker 1987).
Selected References
None.