| Schoenus ligulatus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Strap veldrush | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Cyperaceae |
| Genus: | Schoenus |
| Species: | S. ligulatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Schoenus ligulatus (Boeckeler) Kuntze | |
 | |
| Documented collection localities | |
| Synonyms [1] | |
| |
Schoenus ligulatus is a species of sedge endemic to the western regions of the Western Cape Province of South Africa. [1]
The key diagnostic character of S. ligulatus are its linear-lanceolate spikelets and narrow elliptic nutlets. [1]
Schoenus exilis resembles S. ligulatus, but the former is a shorter species (<350 mm) compared to the taller S. ligulatus (>350 mm). [1] In addition, the spikelets of S. exilis are shorter (mostly <4.5 mm) compared to those of S. ligulatus. [1] Another key difference between the two species is that S. exilis often has membranaceous ligules, whereas the ligules of S. ligulatus tend to be firmer. [1]
Schoenus quartziticus is also a similar species; however, it has broad elliptic nutlets and shorter spikelets (<4.0 mm) compared to those of S. ligulatus. [1]
Similar to other sedges, plants in this group are very difficult to identify. It appears that part of this problem is caused by the tendency of the southern African Schoenus to form hybrids with each other. [2] It appears that Schoenus ligulatus forms hybrids with other southern African Schoenus species, specifically Schoenus cuspidatus. [1]
Schoenus ligulatus is a species in family Cyperaceae, tribe Schoeneae. [1] Other notable genera in tribe Schoeneae include Lepidosperma , Oreobolus , Costularia, Tetraria and Gahnia . [1] [3] [4] The most closely related species to S. ligulatus are other southern African Schoenus species, specifically, species in the S. cuspidatus and allies group. [1]
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. [5] 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. [5] 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. [5]
Schoenus ligulatus is a species of sedge found in the western areas of the Western Cape Province of South Africa. [1] This species generally occurs in wet habitats, but it can also be found growing on drier sites. The reported elevation range of S. ligulatus is between 100 and 750 m. [1]
Schoenus quartziticus is a species of sedge endemic to the Agulhas Plain region of the Western Cape Province in southern South Africa.
Schoenus megacarpus is a species of sedge endemic to the south-central region of South Africa.
Schoenus exilis is a species of sedge endemic to the western areas of the Western Cape Province of South Africa.
Schoenus bolusii is a species of sedge endemic to the mountains of the Western Cape Province of South Africa. However, S. bolusii is not found on the Cape Peninsula.
Schoenus submarginalis is a species of sedge endemic to the mountains of the Western and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa.
Schoenus crassiculmis is a species of sedge endemic to the mountains of the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Few collections of this species have also been made from western areas of the Eastern Cape Province.
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 purpurascens is a species of sedge endemic to the mountains of the southwestern part of the Western Cape Province of South Africa, with its distribution centered around the Caledon area.
Schoenus compactus is a species of sedge endemic to south-western South Africa.
Schoenus crassus is a species of sedge endemic to south-western South Africa.
Schoenus riparius is a species of sedge endemic to the Cape Peninsula 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 complanatus is a species of sedge endemic to the western mountains of the Western Cape Province of South Africa.
Schoenus gracillimus is a species of sedge endemic to the Western Cape Province of South Africa.
Schoenus neovillosus is a species of sedge endemic to the south-western mountains of the Western Cape Province 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.