4. Rhynchospora globularis (Chapm.) Small var.
recognita Gale (beaked rush)
Pl. 80 a, b; Map 302
Plants tufted. Aerial
stems 20–90 cm long. Leaves basal and progressively reduced on the aerial
stems, the leaf blade 4–40 cm long, 2–4 mm wide, flat.
Inflorescences of 2 to several dense clusters of numerous spikelets. Spikelets
3–4 mm long, ovate to broadly elliptic in outline, mostly pointed at the
tip, with 1–3 of the florets fertile. Spikelet scales 1.8–2.1 mm
long, obovate with the midrib extended past the broadly rounded or shallowly
notched tip as a minute, slender awn, light brown to dark brown. Perianth
bristles 5–6, shorter than the fruits, with upwardly pointing barbs.
Fruits with the tubercle 0.3–0.6 mm long, broadly triangular or
depressed-conical with a distinctive raised basal margin, the main body
1.2–1.5 mm long, broadly obovate to broadly elliptic in outline,
relatively turgid, the surface appearing horizontally wrinkled or ridged, with
a secondary, fine pattern of vertical lines between the wrinkles, yellowish
brown to reddish brown, usually shiny, somewhat iridescent. May–October.
Scattered in the
southern third of the state (eastern U.S. west to Texas; Mexico, Caribbean
Islands, Central America). Upland prairies, sandy or rocky stream banks,
margins of sinkhole ponds, and open rocky or sandy areas.
Two other varieties
occur in the southern portion of the species’ range. These differ from
var. recognita in having inflorescences with less dense clusters of
fewer spikelets or in the sculpturing of the achene surface.