| Schoenus bracteosus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Bristleglume Veldrush | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Cyperaceae |
| Genus: | Schoenus |
| Species: | S. bracteosus |
| Binomial name | |
| Schoenus bracteosus T.L.Elliott & Muasya | |
 | |
| Documented collection localities in South Africa | |
| Synonyms [1] | |
| |
Schoenus bracteosus is a species of sedge endemic to the mountains of southern South Africa.
Schoenus bracteosus has firm primary inflorescence bracts that enclose its spikes and culm bases that are firm and non-viscous. [1] This species also has short hairs on its spikelet glumes. [1]
The flowering heads of S. bracteosus resemble those of Schoenus pictus , as they are firm and enclose its spikes; [2] however, S. pictus has viscous culm bases, whereas S. bracteosus lacks this character. [1]
The firm culm bases of S. bracteosus contrast with the membranaceous sheaths of other southern African Schoenus species, such as Schoenus aureus and Schoenus megacarpus . [2]
Plants in the southern African Schoenus clade are very difficult to identify, which is similar to other sedges. It appears that part of this problem is caused by the tendency of the southern African Schoenus to form hybrids with each other. [3] Preliminary evidence suggests that S. bracteosus might form hybrids with other southern African Schoenus species in both the Schoenus cuspidatus [4] and allies group and the Schoenus compar – Schoenus pictus and allies group. [2]
Schoenus bracteosus is a species in family Cyperaceae, tribe Schoeneae. [1] Other notable genera in tribe Schoeneae include Lepidosperma , Oreobolus , Costularia, Tetraria and Gahnia . [4] [5] [6] The most closely related species to S. bracteosus are other southern African Schoenus species, but it is not clear whether this species is more related to those in the Schoenus cuspidatus and allies group [4] or the Schoenus compar - Schoenus pictus and allies group. [2]
Southern African Schoenus were once classified as Tetraria; however, based on molecular and morphological differences, we now know that the two groups are evolutionary distinct. [7] To ensure that this group of sedges is monophyletic (i.e. the genus only has closely related species), several species of Epischoenus and the southern African Tetraria were transferred into Schoenus. [7] In the field, the southern African Schoenus can be distinguished from Tetraria species by their lack of stem leaves and the absence of reticulate sheaths at the bases of the flowering stems. [7]
Schoenus bracteosus is known to occur in the Marloth Nature Reserve of the Western Cape Province of South Africa, where it has been observed on lower mountain slopes. [1]
Schoenus compar is a species of sedge endemic to southern South Africa.
Schoenus arenicola is a species of sedge endemic to the south-west coast of South Africa.
Schoenus pictus is a species of sedge endemic to the Western Cape Province of South Africa. It is a species usually found on mountain slopes.
Schoenus pseudoloreus is a species of sedge endemic to the Western Cape and Northern Cape provinces of South Africa. Its range also reaches the western border of Eastern Cape Province.
Schoenus megacarpus is a species of sedge endemic to the south-central region of South Africa.
Schoenus filiculmis is a species of sedge endemic to the western mountains of the Western Cape and Northern Cape Provinces of South Africa.
Schoenus ligulatus is a species of sedge endemic to the western regions of the Western Cape Province of South Africa.
Schoenus exilis is a species of sedge endemic to the western areas of the Western Cape Province of South Africa.
Schoenus limosus is a species of sedge endemic to the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. It is predominantly a species of wet grasslands, which explains its common name.
Schoenus albovaginatus is a species of sedge endemic to the mountains of south-western South Africa.
Schoenus comparoides is a species of sedge endemic to the mountains of southern South Africa.
Schoenus triticoides is a species of sedge endemic to the mountains of southern South Africa.
Schoenus aureus is a species of sedge endemic to the western mountains of the Western Cape Provinces of South Africa.
Schoenus dregeanus is a species of sedge endemic to mountainous locations in south-western South Africa.
Schoenus adnatus is a species of sedge endemic to mountainous locations in southern regions of South Africa.
Schoenus australis is a species of sedge endemic to locations near the southern coast of South Africa.
Schoenus brunnescens is a species of sedge endemic to the Western Cape Province of South Africa.
Schoenus graciliculmis is a species of sedge endemic to regions of the southern Eastern Cape Province and nearby regions of the Western Cape Province of South Africa.
Schoenus inconspicuus is a species of sedge endemic to south-western areas of the Western Cape Province of South Africa.
Schoenus crinitus is a species of sedge endemic to the Worcester region of the Western Cape Province of South Africa.