Schoenus quadrangularis

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Schoenus quadrangularis
Schoenus quadrangularis growth form.jpg
Square veldrush
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Cyperaceae
Genus: Schoenus
Species:
S. quadrangularis
Binomial name
Schoenus quadrangularis
Boeckeler
S quadrangularis-map-2.jpg
Documented collection localities in South Africa
Synonyms [1]
  • Epischoenus quadrangularis (Boeckeler) C.B.Clarke
  • Tetraria quadrangularis (Boeckeler) Kük.

Schoenus quadrangularis is a species of sedge endemic to mountainous of southern South Africa. [1]

Contents

Description

Schoenus quadrangularis is a unique species amongst the southern African Schoenus that has deeply ridged, quadrangular (4-angled) stems directly below the flowering heads (inflorescences). [1] Plants of this species often are bluish-tinged in colour.

Preliminary evidence suggests that the southern African Schoenus have a tendency to form hybrids with each other, which partially explains why they can be difficult to identify. [2] However, it is not certain at this point whether S. quadrangularis forms hybrids with other southern African Schoenus species. [1]

Taxonomy

Schoenus quadrangularis is a species in family Cyperaceae, tribe Schoeneae, a clade that includes other notable genera such as Costularia , Gahnia , Lepidosperma , Oreobolus and Tetraria . [1] [3] [4] The most closely related species to Schoenus quadrangularis are other species in the Epischoenus group of southern African Schoenus. [1]

The genus Tetraria once included species from the southern African Schoenus; however, both molecular and morphological evidence suggests that the two genera 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]

Distribution and habitat

The distribution of Schoenus quadrangularis ranges from the Cape Peninsula in the west to the Groot Winterhook Mountains in the Eastern Cape Province of southern South Africa. [1] This species has been mostly observed growing in damp sites in the mountains, with elevations ranging from 82-1370 m. [1]

Related Research Articles

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<i>Schoenus graminifolius</i> Species of grass-like plant

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<i>Schoenus ligulatus</i> Species of grass-like plant

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<i>Schoenus exilis</i> Species of grass-like plant

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<i>Schoenus bracteosus</i> Species of grass-like plant

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<i>Schoenus crassus</i> Species of grass-like plant

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<i>Schoenus riparius</i> Species of grass-like plant

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<i>Schoenus galpinii</i> Species of grass-like plant

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<i>Schoenus adnatus</i> Species of grass-like plant

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<i>Schoenus complanatus</i> Species of grass-like plant

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<i>Schoenus gracillimus</i> Species of grass-like plant

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<i>Schoenus lucidus</i> Species of grass-like plant

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<i>Schoenus neovillosus</i> Species of grass-like plant

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<i>Schoenus graciliculmis</i> Species of grass-like plant

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.

<i>Schoenus crinitus</i> Species of grass-like plant

Schoenus crinitus is a species of sedge endemic to the Worcester region of the Western Cape Province of South Africa.

<i>Schoenus rigidus</i> Species of grass-like plant

Schoenus rigidus is a species of sedge endemic to locations near central regions of the southern coast of South Africa.

<i>Schoenus selinae</i> Species of grass-like plant

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Elliott, T.L.; Muasya, A.M. (2020). "A taxonomic revision of the Epischoenus group of Schoenus (Cyperaceae, tribe Schoeneae)". South African Journal of Botany. 135: 296–316. doi: 10.1016/j.sajb.2020.08.029 .
  2. Levyns, M. (1947). "Tetraria and related genera, with special reference to the flora of the Cape Peninsula". Journal of South African Botany. 13: 73–93.
  3. Viljoen, J.-A.; Muasya, A.M.; Barrett, R.L.; Bruhl, J.J.; Gibbs, A.K.; Slingsby, J.A.; Wilson, K. L.; Verboom, G.A. (2013). "Radiation and repeated transoceanic dispersal of Schoeneae (Cyperaceae) through the southern hemisphere". American Journal of Botany. 100 (12): 2494–2508. doi:10.3732/ajb.1300105.
  4. Larridon, I.; Bauters, K.; Semmouri, I.; Viljoen, J.-A.; Prychid, C.J.; Muasya, A.M.; Bruhl, J.J.; Wilson, K.L.; Senterre, B.; Goetghebeur, P. (2018). "Molecular phylogenetics of the genus Costularia (Schoeneae, Cyperaceae) reveals multiple distinct evolutionary lineages". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 126: 196–209. doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2018.04.016.
  5. 1 2 3 Elliott, T.L.; Muasya, A.M. (2017). "Taxonomic realignment in the southern African Tetraria (Cyperaceae, tribe Schoeneae; Schoenus clade)". South African Journal of Botany. 112: 354–360. doi: 10.1016/j.sajb.2017.06.011 .