Scirpus georgianus
Family
Cyperaceae
Flora category
Vascular – Exotic
Structural class
Sedges
Conservation status
Not applicable
Distribution
North Island, Hokiangia. South Island, North West Nelson.
Habitat
Damp ground on tracksides or rank pasture.
Wetland plant indicator status rating
Information derived from the revised national wetland plant list prepared to assist councils in delineating and monitoring wetlands (Clarkson et al., 2021 Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research Contract Report LC3975 for Hawke’s Bay Regional Council). The national plant list categorises plants by the extent to which they are found in wetlands and not ‘drylands’. The indicator status ratings are OBL (obligate wetland), FACW (facultative wetland), FAC (facultative), FACU (facultative upland), and UPL (obligate upland). If you have suggestions for the Wetland Indicator Status Rating, please contact: [Enable JavaScript to view protected content]
FACW: Facultative Wetland
Usually is a hydrophyte but occasionally found in uplands (non-wetlands).
Detailed description
Leafy tufts 60–150 cm high. Stems stout, 3-angled, leafy at base and with 3–5 evenly spaced cauline leaves. Leaves < stems, 5–10 mm wide, double-folded but flattened, margins very finely scabrid. Inflorescence a terminal compound irregular umbel with unequal erect rays 1–10 cm long, secondary rays widely spreading, often almost at right angles; leaf-like bracts c. 3, longest usually > inflorescence. Spikelets ± 3 mm long, ovate, in clusters of 5–10 at tips of rays. Glumes ± 1.5 mm long, dark brown, membranous, with a thick green excurrent midrib. Hypogynous bristles 0 in N.Z. specimen [present or absent in American Plants]. Stamens 3. Stigmas 3. Nut slightly < 1 mm long, ellipsoid, trigonous with slightly thickened angles, shining, cream.
Similar taxa
Superfically similar to the large sedge Scirpus polystachyus, vegetatively could be confused with Bolboschoenus.
Year naturalised
1964
Origin
North America
Attribution
Fact sheet prepared by Marley Ford (27 July 2022). Features copied from Webb et al. (1988).
References and further reading
Webb CJ, Sykes WR, Garnock-Jones PJ. 1988. Flora of New Zealand, Volume IV. Naturalised Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms, Dicotyledons. Botany Division, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Christchurch, NZ. 1365 p.