Scleria ciliata Michx. - Nut Sedge
Family - Cyperaceae
Stems:
Rhizome.
Stem cross section.
Leaves:
N/A
Inflorescence:
Bract of inflorescence.
Flowers:
Fruit...
...again.
Arrow shows tubercle of fruit.
Flowering - May - August.
Habitat - Sandhills, pine savannahs, seepage bogs, pond margins.
Origin - Native to North America.
Other information - This species can be found in the most southern counties of Alabama where pine savannah and sandhill habitats occur. The plant can be identified by its habitat, rhizomes, pubescent stems, and textured fruits. The fruits bear 3 to 6 tubercles at the base.
The genus name Scleria derives from the Greek "scler(o)" meaning "hard, hardened" referring to the fruits.
The species epithet ciliata derives from the Latin "cili(a)" meaning "an eyelash, small hair" referring to the hairs of the stems and bracts of the inflorescence.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken in the Ozark Scenic Riverways, Shannon County, MO., 6-17-03, and at Fort Benning, GA., 7-3-05.