73.
Cyperus
plukenetii
Fernald, Rhodora. 47: 110, plate 877. 1945.
Plukenet's sedge
Herbs, perennial, cespitose. Culms basally cormlike, obtusely trigonous to subterete, 25—100 cm × 2—4 mm, densely minutely scabridulous. Leaves inversely W-shaped, 20—70 cm × 4—7 mm, adaxial surface densely hirtellous. Inflorescences: spikes turbinate, 10—12 × 6—9 mm, ± as long as wide; rays 6—12, 1—30 cm (longest bract equaling or shorter than longest ray), harshly scabrid; bracts 3—10, horizontal to ascending at 30°, inversely W-shaped, 6—27 cm × 3—6 mm; rachilla persistent, wings hyaline, 0.5 mm wide, covering 1/2 of mature achene. Spikelets 30—60, proximal spikelets reflexed nearly parallel to ray, distal ones spreading, linear, ± terete, 6—8 × 1—1.4 mm; floral scales persistent, 1(—2), appressed, stramineous, often suffused with reddish purple, laterally 4—6-ribbed, ovate-lanceolate, 4—4.5 × 1.4—1.6 mm, apex straight, excurved mucronate or cuspidate; terminal scale spinose. Flowers: anthers 0.5—1 mm; styles 1.5—2 mm; stigmas 2 mm. Achenes dark brown, narrowly oblong, (2.4—)2.7—2.9(—3.2) × 0.7—0.8 mm, base cuneate, apex obtuse, apiculate, surfaces puncticulate.
Fruiting summer (Jul—Aug). Dry sand hills, xeric upland woods; 0—200 m; Ala., Ark., Del., Fla., Ga., Ky., La., Md., Miss., Mo., N.J., N.C., Okla., S.C., Tenn., Tex., Va.
Cyperus plukenetii is distinguished by its tight, burlike spikes, few-flowered spikelets, and densely pubescent culms, leaves, and rays.
