Scleria

Bauters, K., Larridon, I. & Goetghebeur, P., 2019, A taxonomic study of Scleria subgenus Hypoporum: synonymy, typification and a new identification key, Phytotaxa 394 (1), pp. 1-49 : 5

Key to the species of Scleria subgenus Hypoporum

This key is intended to identify both living as herbarium material. The key was constructed keeping in mind the great morphological variation in some species. Some choices in the key may require high magnification. Parts of this key are based on the identification key of Robinson (1966). Annual or short lived is used for species when no rhizomes or stolons could be found. Annual species are usually smaller and bear more inflorescences. Some species, e.g. Scleria tenella , are listed as annual but might be actually biennial. The pubescence of bracts and glumes is often difficult to observe and use of a high magnification is necessary.

1. A. Inflorescence a single terminal spike or panicle, all bracts small and inconspicuous ( Fig. 1 A ).......................................................2

1. B. Inflorescence of terminal and lateral panicles, the latter subtended by leafy bracts ( Fig. 1 B ) ......................................... GROUP A

2. A. Plants annual or short-lived ................................................................................................................................................ GROUP B

2. B. Plants perennial .................................................................................................................................................................. GROUP C

Figures

FIGURE 1. A. Simple terminal glomerate-spicate inflorescence; terminal main branch with glomerules along its axis. B. Inflorescence with terminal and lateral branches; the two or three highest leaves have an axil that will develop inflorescence branches. Drawing by Kenneth Bauters.