keys to the vascular plants of east texas - Botanical Research ...

618 CYPERACEAE/KYLLINGA
AA genus of ca. 40–45 species, mostly of tropical or warm temperate regions worldwide, with
the greatest diversity in tropical Africa and Madagascar; 8 occur in the New World (Tucker
1984a, 2002a). Kyllinga is closely related to and is sometimes included in the genus Cyperus.
Recent molecular studies (e.g., Muasya et al. 2002) suggest that it is embedded within a
paraphyletic Cyperus. However, Kyllinga can be distinguished by its spikelets with only 2
scales (plus 2 greatly reduced, minute, brownish, basal scales) and only 1 bisexual fertile flower.
In addition, the “dense, sessile spikes of Kyllinga give the plants a different aspect from most
species of Cyperus with their usually open, branched inflorescences” (Tucker 1984a). (Named
for Peter Kylling, died 1696, Danish botanist)
REFERENCES: Kükenthal 1935–1936; Johnston 1966; Delahoussaye & Thieret 1967; Padhye 1971;
Tucker 1984a, 2002a.
1. Annuals, without rhizomes, densely tufted, with 4–20 culms per square cm, the stems not bulbose
thickened at base; anthers 0.2–0.4 mm long; plants flowering in the fall _______________________ K. pumila
1. Perennials, rhizomatous, the rhizomes either elongate with stems arising at intervals of 3–15
mm OR the rhizomes short and knotted with stems arising < 3 mm apart (in this case the stems
are � bulbose-thickened at base); anthers 0.4–1.1 mm long; plants flowering spring to fall.
2. Scales of spikelets hyaline, pale brownish to greenish; rhizomes elongate, the culms arising at
intervals of 3–15 mm; longest inflorescence bract erect, appearing like a continuation of the
culm, the other bracts ascending to horizontal; inflorescences usually without any visible lobing;
achenes uniform light to medium brown; culms slender at base ________________________ K. brevifolia
2. Scales of spikelets whitish; rhizomes short, knotted, the culms usually < 3 mm apart; inflorescence
bracts all horizontal to reflexed; inflorescences often slightly 3-lobed; achenes when
fully mature dark (blackish brown) with contrasting whitish stipitate base and apiculus; culms
bulbose-thickened at the base _____________________________________________________ K. odorata
Kyllinga brevifolia Rottb., (short-leaved), SHORT-LEAF FLAT SEDGE, SHORT-LEAF SPIKE SEDGE, PEREN-
NIAL GREEN-HEAD SEDGE. Perennial with reddish brown rhizomes to 20 cm long and 1–2 mm
thick; culms 6–40(–55) cm tall; leaf blades 1–4 mm wide; stamens 1 or 2; anthers 0.8–1.1 mm
long. Moist, typically open areas; primarily se part of East TX but scattered w to Dallas and
Travis (Turner et al. 2003) cos., also n Gulf Prairies and Marshes, e Cross Timbers and Prairies,
and e Edwards Plateau; se U.S. from NC s to FL w to OK and TX, also CA. Apr–Nov. [Cyperus
brevifolius (Rottb.) Endl. ex Hassk.] The erect longest inflorescence bract of this species distinguishes
it from the other two East TX species. It is considered a weed in some parts of the world
(Holm et al. 1997).
Kyllinga odorata Vahl, (with an odor), FRAGRANT SPIKE SEDGE, WHITE-HEAD SEDGE. Strongly fragrant
(citronella-like odor), rhizomatous, mat-forming perennial; culms usually 10–30(–45) cm
tall; leaf blades 2–3(–4) mm wide; stamens 2; anthers (0.4–)0.6–0.8(–1) mm long. Moist, sandy,
typically open areas; scattered primarily in s part of East TX; also n Gulf Prairies and Marshes;
se U.S. from NC s to FL w to OK and TX, also NM. (Jun–)Jul–Oct(–Nov). [Cyperus sesquiflorus
(Torr.) Mattf. & Kük. ex Kük., K. sesquiflora Torr.]. The whitish spikelet scales of this species distinguish
it from the other two East TX species; it has been suggested (Tucker 1987) that the
color may be an indication of insect involvement in pollination.
Kyllinga pumila Michx., (dwarf, very small), SLENDER-LEAF FLAT SEDGE, LOW SPIKE SEDGE, AN-
NUAL GREEN-HEAD SEDGE. Tufted, fragrant, diminutive annual; culms usually 5–19(–38) cm tall;
leaf blades 1–2(–3.6) mm wide; scales of spikelets pale brownish to hyaline; stamens 2; achenes
light brown. Moist, typically open or disturbed sites; scattered in Pineywoods, also Wood Co.
(BRIT) in Post Oak Savannah and Grayson Co. (Johnston 1966) in Red River drainage; also Denton
Co. (BRIT) in Cross Timbers and Prairies; widespread in e 1/2 of the U.S. Sep–Nov. [Cyperus
tenuifolius (Steud.) Dandy, K. tenuifolia Steud.] Reported to be a weed of lawns and croplands
in some areas (Tucker 1987).