Eleocharis macrostachya Britton

Pale Spikerush
Cyperaceae

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Protologue: J.K.Small, Fl. S.E. U.S.: 184 (1903)
Pronunciation: E-le-ó-cha-ris ma-cro-stá-chy-a
Etymology: from macro, large, + stachys, an ear of grain, referring to the spike inflorescence

Jepson eFlora Treatment

Jepson eFlora Key to Eleocharis

SD County Synoptic Voucher


Distribution:
 
Left: S.D. County Plant Atlas (http://sdplantatlas.org). Right: CCH2. Click to see current herbarium records.  


 
Eleocharis macrostachya
Left: Plant, a perennial, rhizomatous herb. Leaves are basal, sheathing around aerial photosynthetic stems, each bearing a terminal (sedge) spikelet.
Right: Close-up of two spikelets. Note bracts and remains of anthers.
This species is distinguished from some other close relatives (e.g., Eleocharis montevidensis and Eleocharis parishii)
in having generally thicker aerial stems and 2 stigmas (as opposed to 3) and a 2-sided (as opposed to 3-sided) achene.
Eleocharis macrostachya is very similar to Eleocharis palustris (less common in San Diego Co.), the former differing in having more clasping basal flower bracts.

Cal Photos images

Google images