Schoenus pseudoloreus (Kük.) T.L.Elliott & Muasya 2018

Elliott, T. L. & Muasya, A. M., 2018, A taxonomic revision of Schoenus compar - Schoenus pictus and allies (Cyperaceae, tribe Schoeneae) with three new species described from South Africa *, South African Journal of Botany 114, pp. 303-315 : 310-311

4. Schoenus pseudoloreus (Kük.) T.L.Elliott & Muasya , comb. nov. Tetraria sylvatica var. pseudolorea Kük, Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni. Veg. 29: 188 (1931).

Type: South Africa, Western Cape Province, Caledon (3419): Houw Hok, (–AA), 6 Feb 1896, Schlechter 7385 (WAG[WAG0108251], lecto.!, here designated; GRA!, K!, PRE!, WAG[WAG0389282] – image!, P[P00461928, P00461930] - image!, B - image, S - image, isolecto.). [Note: Kükenthal (1931) cited four different collections, in which after careful examination by T.L. Elliott, three (Bolus 4742, Schlechter 7655 and Schlechter 10,561) are most likely other species. Furthermore, although both WAG0108251 and WAG0389282 had been previously annotated as syntypes (and not isosyntypes), the former was chosen as the lectotype for this species, as the specimen was personally viewed by T.L. Elliott.]

Caespitose, phyllopodic perennial graminoid. Sometimes partly viscous on sheaths. Culms terete, 200–395(− 515) × 0.4–1.2 (− 1.7) mm. Leaves basal, 2–7, often reduced and awl-shaped, (18–)23–31(− 41) × 0.16–1.0 mm, proximally channelled or not, margin serrate above sheath. Sheaths expanded at base, firm to membranaceous, glossy, often longitudinally striate and viscous, loosely clasping culm, red-maroon to ivory in colour. Ligule often membranaceous but can be firm, 0.2–2.8 mm. In fl orescence a narrow, spike-like panicle, (19–)23– 31(− 41) × 3.0–5.5(− 8.0) mm, with membranaceous extensions covering at least the base of each spike, proximal rachis length 4.0–11.3(− 16.0) mm. Proximal primary in fl orescence bracts firm, (31–)48–87(− 109) mm long, often exceeding length of inflorescence several times. Spikes 3–11, 6–11(− 16) mm long, relatively narrow. Spikelets 3.9–5.8(− 8.5) × 1.0–1.6(− 2.2) mm, linear-lanceolate to narrow oblong, pedicellate, 2–4(− 6) spikelets/spike. Rachilla (0.2–) 1.0–2.0(− 3.0) mm long. Glumes (3–)4–6(− 7) per spikelet, proximal glume (1.4–)2.0–3.0(− 4.2) mm long, subproximal glume (0.8–)2.1– 2.8(− 5.0) mm long, thick, often shiny, upper glumes longer in length, colour ranging from light chestnut-brown to maroon. Mucros may or may not be present, proximal mucro (0.1–)0.5–1.2(− 1.7) mm long, subproximal mucro (0–)0.5–0.8(− 1.4) mm long. Stamens (2–)3(− 6) per floret, anthers 3.3–4.3 mm long. Stigmas 3-branched. Perianth bristles 3, shorter than glumes. Nutlet wide elliptical, 3-sided, often with dark red blotches or spots, 2.7–3.4 × 1.2–1.5 mm. Nutlet beak 0.2–1.5 mm long. ( Figs. 1 and 2 ).

Flowering: February to July

Distribution and ecology: the greatest density of S. pseudoloreus is in the western mountains of the Western Cape Province of South Africa, although its range does extend as far north as the Kamiesberg in the Northern Cape Province and as far west as Antoniesberg near Willowmore ( Fig. 6 ). Schoenus pseudoloreus generally grows among fynbos vegetation on dry mountain slopes ranging from 110 to over 1825 m with varying substrates.

Diagnosis: Schoenus pseudoloreus can be distinguished from other sedges in this clade by its narrowly contracted panicles with inflorescence bracts having small membranaceous extensions or ‘ears’ that cover the base of each spike. These extensions originate at the base of the inflorescence bracts and can cover either part or entire spikes, as well as they are sometimes split down the middle and most often deteriorate with age. Schoenus aureus also has similar membraneous extensions with ‘ears’; however, that species has a flat blade and ivory sheaths compared to the terete blade and more reddish sheaths of S. pseudoloreus . Schoenus pseudoloreus plants growing farther to the south and east tend to have firmer and darker coloured glumes compared to their more northern counterparts.

A variant of S. pseudoloreus has been collected from the Cederberg mountains northwards. These plants tend to be lighter overall, with little or no red colouring on the sheaths (the sheaths can be ivory in colour), and paler glumes than specimens from more southern localities.In addition, the inflorescences of this northern variant tend to be more depauperate in the number of spikes and spikelets than other S. pseudoloreus plants. The narrowly contracted panicles separate this variant from other species with membraneous extensions that cover the base of each spike (e.g. S. aureus and S. megacarpus ).

Additional collections examined

South Africa. NORTHERN CAPE: 3018 (Kamiesberg): N. end of the Rooiberg, (–AC), 10 Jun 1980, Esterhuysen 35,454 (BOL); Rooiberg Mountain, up E side, (–AC), 12 Oct 1981, Le Roux 716 (NBG); Kamiesberg, upper east slopes of Stalberg, Welkom 523, (–AC), 22 Oct 2009, Helme 6137 (NBG); Giftberg Plateau, (–AC), 14 Jan 2003, Knox and Phillipson 4939 (K); Giftberg, (–AC), 15 Oct 1956, Esterhuysen 22,118 (K). 3117 (Lepelsfontein): Toringberg, 27 km west of Bitterfontein, Louisfontein 44, (–BB), 18 Jun 2009, Helme 6327 (NBG); Toringberg, 27 km west of Bitterfontein, Louisfontein 44 east of De Toren, (–BB), 18 Jun 2009, Helme 6365 (NBG). WESTERN CAPE: 3119 (Calvinia): Lokenberg, (–CA), 31 May 1964, Esterhuysen 30,716 (BOL, K). 3218 (Clanwilliam): Plateau on Piketberg Mt., (–BB), 25 Apr 1984, Esterhuysen 14,477 (BOL, K, NBG); Giftberg, (–CB), date illegible, Esterhuysen 22,118 (BOL, K); Klipfonteinrand, N of Pakhuis Pass, (–CD), 22 Sep 1969, Esterhuysen 32,199a (BOL); Top of Grey's Pass, (–DB), 13 Dec 1941, Esterhuysen 7143 (BOL); W slopes of Olifants R. Mts., (–DB), 16 Apr 1949, Esterhuysen 15,279 (BOL, K, NBG); Lower W. slopes below Olifants R.Dome, (–DB), 16 Apr 1949, Esterhuysen 15,299 (BOL [2 sheets], NBG); N. slopes of Olifants R. Mts. along Thee R., (–DB), 17 Apr 1949, Esterhuysen 15,328 (BOL, NBG), Esterhuysen 15,339 (BOL, NBG); New Caledonia, (–DD), 10 May 1974, Linder 332 (BOL). 3219 (Wuppertal): Groot Winterhoek Reserve, trail from parking area to De Tronk, (–AA), 26 Nov 2002, Verboom 635 (BOL); Amon se Poort, south of Pakhuis Pass, (–sAA), 3 Apr 1986, Taylor 11,491 (NBG); Cederberg, on the path between Eikeboom and Sneeuberg hut, (–AC), 6 Apr 2002, Verboom 515 (BOL); Cederberg, near Sneeuberg hut, (–AC), 6 Apr 2002, Verboom 523 (BOL); S. Cedarberge, steep, rocky slopes above Kromve River Kloof, (–AC), 12 Dec 1950, Esterhuysen 18,012 (BOL, K, PRE); Western end of Sneeuberg peak, (–AC), 6 Apr 2002, Verboom 526 (BOL); Cederberg Forest, roadside shortly before offices, (–AC), 6 May 1982, Getliffe 1059 (NU [2 sheets]); Middleberg Plateau, (–AC), 14 Dec 1941, Bond 1373 (NBG); Near Cederberg kop, (–AC), 6 Oct 1979, Campbell 11,351 (NBG, PRE); Welbedachtkloof (head of) on shaleband, Central Cederberg, (–AC), 7 Aug 1987, Taylor 11,776 (NBG, PRE); Cederberg Wilderness Area, within one kilometre west of Algeria Nature Reserve office, found on slopes on south side of road, (–AC), 15 Jul 2016, Elliott & Muasya TE2016_095 (BOL); Citrusdal district near Smits Farm, Citrusdal to Ceres Road, (–CA), 6 May 1982, Getliffe 1063 (NU); Olifants R. Mts, ridge junk. S. of Groen., (–CC), 26 Dec 1946, Esterhuysen 13,463 (BOL, K). 3318 (Cape Town): Helderberg, (–BB), 9 Jun 1934, Jordaan 20,294 (NBG). 3319 (Worcester): Hansiesberg, (–AB), 18 Apr 1956, Esterhuysen 25,712 (BOL); Kleinberg, (–AC), without date, Jordaan 761 (NBG); Elands Kloof, (–AC), 18 Apr 1938, Levyns 6418 (BOL); Tulbagh, (–AC), 18 Feb 1896, Schlechter 7516 (BM, K, WAG); Cederberg Mts, Middleberg, (–AC), 22 Jun 1942, Esterhuysen 7859 (BOL); Vogel Vley, (–AC), 27 Jun 1896, Schlechter 7922 (BM, K, WAG); Zuurvlakte Forest Reserve, Zevenfontein A., (–AC), 9 Jun 1969, Stehle TS.189 (NBG); Swartruggens, N.E. of Onverwacht, (–BA), 16 Jun 1965, Acocks 23,657 (K, NBG [2 sheets]); Kavadouws Mts., near Orchard, (–BC), 26 Jul 1944, Esterhuysen 10,331 (BOL); Matroosberg, dry ridge on N side, (–BD), 6 Aug 1951, Esterhuysen 18,720 (BOL); Happy Valley, Bains Kloof, (–CA), 25 Apr 1954, Schelpe 4680 (BM, BOL [2 sheets]), 9 May 1954, Levyns 10,080 (BOL); Audensberg Ridge Pk., near Worcester, (– CB), 1 Jan 1950, Esterhuysen 16,680 (BOL, NBG); La Motte State Forest, Zachariashoek - Level, firebreak between Merinokop and Bobbejaanskrans, (–CC), 3 Mar 1983, Richardson 2 (NBG, PRE, WAG); Wemmershoek Valley, (–CC), 29 Apr 1951, Esterhuysen 18,588 (BOL, K); E. slopes of Stettynsberg, (–CD), 31 Jul 1949, Esterhuysen 15,599 (BOL, GRA, NBG); Windsor Peak, Hex Riv., (–DA), 10 Mar 1963, Taylor 4650 (NBG, PRE); lower E. slopes of Prospect Pk., Hex R. Mts., (–DA), 31 May 1949, Esterhuysen 15,422 (BOL, K, NBG); Hex R. Mts., on steep stony north slope, Windsor Pk., (–DA), 10 Mar 1963, Esterhuysen 30,086 (BOL, K). 3321 (Ladismith): Elandskloof between Vleiland & Seweweekspoort., southern foothills of northern range, near Kraal, (–AD), 21 Feb 1986, Moffett & Steensma 3849 (NBG, PRE, WAG). 3323 (Willowmore): Antoniesberg Mountain, on farm Welbedacht, (–BC), 16 Aug 1986, Vlok 1564 (NBG, WAG). 3418 (Simonstown): Kogelberg Research Site next to plot 5, (–BD), 30 Apr 1980, Le Maitre 87 (NBG); Kogelberg Research Site, (–BD), 1 Jul 1980, Le Maitre 146 (NBG [2 sheets], PRE); Kogelberg State Forest, Research Site, 3418 BD/3, (–BD), Dec 1980, Le Maitre 210 (NBG); Kogelberg State Forest, base of Spinnekopnes gorge, (–BD), 15 Feb 1978, Durand 367 (NBG [2 sheets]). 3419 (Caledon): Papiesvley, (–AD), 14 Apr 1897, Schlechter 10,435 (BM, GRA, K, WAG).

Figures

Fig. 1. Examples of plants from each of the seven known species of S.compar - S.pictus group found in southern Africa, showing the corresponding inflorescences and spikelets beneath each plant:A,H and O—S.compar; B,I and P—S.arenicolus, C,J and Q—S.pictus; D,K,and R—S.pseudoloreus; E,L and S—S.aureus; F,M and T—S.megacarpus; and G,N and U—S.filiculmis. The black scale bar beside the inflorescences and spikelets in H—N represents 10 mm, whereas the scale bar beneath O—U represents 1 mm.

Fig. 2. Examples of nutlets from six species of the S. compar - S. pictus group found in southern Africa: A—S. compar; B—S. arenicolus; C—S. pictus; D—S. pseudoloreus; E—S.aureus (immature); and F—S. megacarpus. The black scale bar represents 1 mm.The mature fruit of S.filiculmis is unknown.

Fig. 6. Documented locations of Schoenus pseudoloreus, with crosses indicating the locations of the northern variant of the species.