Authority:

Thomas, William W. 1984. The systematics of Rhynchospora section Dichromena. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 37: 1-116.

Family:

Cyperaceae

Description:

Genus Description - Vegetatively variable perennials or occasionally annuals; spikelets ovate, lanceolate or elliptic, terete to occasionally compressed, consisting of several to many spirally arranged scales, the lower (l-)2-several scales sterile; scales various shades of brown to occasionally white; flowers borne in axils of scales the lower 1-several perfect the upper 1-several functionally staminate; stamens l-3(-l 2); hypogynous bristles 0-6(-20); achenes usually lenticular to globose, topped with a persistent style base; style undivided to deeply parted, the persistent base usually triangular.

Discussion:

Type: Rhynchospora alba (L.) Vahl, from Schoenus albus L., Sp. PL 1: 44. 1753. Phaeocephalum Ehrh., Beitr. 4: 146. 1789, nom. illeg. Dichromena Michaux, Fl. Bor. Am 1: 37 1803. Triodon L. C. Richard in Persoon, Syn. Pl. 1: 60. 1805, nom. inval. A complete list of 27 synonyms of Rhynchospora sensu lato may be found in Koyama (1972).

Distribution:

North America| Europe| Asia|