Luzula subcapitata

Copyright: Flora of North America Association

Rhizomes short, stocky. Culms cespitose, 8–40 cm ×1 mm, base thickened, glabrous. Leaves: basal leaves to 13 cm; cauline leaves 1–3, mostly less than 5 cm × 5–10 mm, apex involute, glabrous. Inflorescences compact, irregular in shape; glomerules 6–10, sessile; branches few or none; proximal inflorescence bract conspicuous, leaflike, lanceolate, equal to or exceeding inflorescences; bracteoles clear, 1/2 tepal length. Flowers: tepals shining brown, with thin clear margins, 1.5–2 mm; outer and inner whorls nearly equal, (outer whorl slightly keeled); anthers longer than filaments; stigmas much longer than styles. Capsules deep purplish brown at maturity, globose (apex rounded), ± equaling tepals, apex rounded. Seeds brown, cylindric, 1.3 mm; caruncle absent.

Phenology: Flowering and fruiting summer.
Habitat: Subalpine and alpine bogs
Elevation: 3200–3700 m

Colo.

Discussion

The rhizomes of Luzula subcapitata are stocky, and the culms have thickened, glabrous bases. The species has 1–3 cauline leaves, which are glabrous with narrow inrolled involute or revolute?? apices. The flowers are characterized by stigmas that are much longer than the styles.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa