''Cyperus pygmaeus'', also known as dwarf flat sedge,
[ is a sedge of the family ]Cyperaceae
The Cyperaceae are a family of graminoid (grass-like), monocotyledonous flowering plants known as sedges. The family is large, with some 5,500 known species described in about 90 genera, the largest being the "true sedges" genus ''Carex'' w ...
that is native to Australia
Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a Sovereign state, sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous List of islands of Australia, sma ...
.
Description
The spreading to prostrate annual herb sedge typically grows to a height of .[ It has reddish coloured roots and smooth, triquetrous culms that are in height and with a diameter of . The leaves are most often no longer than the culms.][ It blooms between July and August in warmer climates but later into summer around January in cooler climates producing green-brown flowers.][
]
Taxonomy
The species was first described in 1773 by Christen Friis Rottbøll
Christen Friis Rottbøll (3 March 1727, at Hørbygård, Denmark – 15 June 1797, in Copenhagen) was a Danish physician and botanist: He was a pupil of Carolus Linnaeus.
Early life
Rottbøll was born on the Hørbygaard estate at Holbæk, the so ...
as part of the work ''Descriptionum et Iconum Rariores et pro maxima parte novas plantas''. The only other synonyms are ''Juncellus pygmaeus'' and ''Cyperus michelianus'' subsp. ''pygmaeus''.
Distribution
It is found in most Australian mainland states and territories including Western Australia, Northern Territory
The Northern Territory (commonly abbreviated as NT; formally the Northern Territory of Australia) is an states and territories of Australia, Australian territory in the central and central northern regions of Australia. The Northern Territory ...
, South Australia
South Australia (commonly abbreviated as SA) is a state in the southern central part of Australia. It covers some of the most arid parts of the country. With a total land area of , it is the fourth-largest of Australia's states and territories ...
, Queensland
)
, nickname = Sunshine State
, image_map = Queensland in Australia.svg
, map_caption = Location of Queensland in Australia
, subdivision_type = Country
, subdivision_name = Australia
, established_title = Before federation
, established_ ...
, New South Wales
)
, nickname =
, image_map = New South Wales in Australia.svg
, map_caption = Location of New South Wales in AustraliaCoordinates:
, subdivision_type = Country
, subdivision_name = Australia
, established_title = Before federation
, es ...
and Victoria
Victoria most commonly refers to:
* Victoria (Australia), a state of the Commonwealth of Australia
* Victoria, British Columbia, provincial capital of British Columbia, Canada
* Victoria (mythology), Roman goddess of Victory
* Victoria, Seychelle ...
.Western Australia
Western Australia (commonly abbreviated as WA) is a state of Australia occupying the western percent of the land area of Australia excluding external territories. It is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Southern Ocean to th ...
it is found along stream and creeks and around clay pans in the Pilbara
The Pilbara () is a large, dry, thinly populated region in the north of Western Australia. It is known for its Aboriginal peoples; its ancient landscapes; the red earth; and its vast mineral deposits, in particular iron ore. It is also a glo ...
and Kimberley
Kimberly or Kimberley may refer to:
Places and historical events
Australia
* Kimberley (Western Australia)
** Roman Catholic Diocese of Kimberley
* Kimberley Warm Springs, Tasmania
* Kimberley, Tasmania a small town
* County of Kimberley, a ...
regions where it grows in loamy-silty soils.[
]
See also
*List of Cyperus species
The genus ''Cyperus'' contains the following species recognised by ''The Plant List'' in 2015. Other species have since been considered synonyms, been newly described, or seem to have been omitted from the website database at the time. See refere ...
References
{{Taxonbar, from=Q15227206
Plants described in 1773
Flora of Western Australia
pygmaeus
Taxa named by Christen Friis Rottbøll