Oxycaryum cubense (Poeppig & Kunth) Lye

The named variants of Oxycaryum cubense appear to represent extremes of this morphologically plastic species.

Stolons scaly, rooting at nodes or with long-hanging roots. Culms 7.5–76(–100) cm × 0.7–5 mm. Leaves elaminate proximally, laminate distally; blades (33–)50–70(–110) cm × (2–)4.5–5.5(–7) mm. Inflorescences with 1–13 heads, globose to broadly ovoid, 10–23 × 9–19 mm; spikelets 5–many. Spikelets 3–6 × 2.5–6 mm; scales transparent to pale brown with red-brown or purple marks, ovate to oblong, apex acuminate. Achenes pale or red-brown, ovoid or ellipsoid, 2.2–2.8 × 1–1.2 mm; beak to 0.7 mm.

Ala., Fla., La., Tex.; Mexico; West Indies (Cuba); Central America; South America; Africa.

Fruiting spring–fall.

Lakes and streams, floating, or raft-forming, or along margins; 0–50m.

Scirpus cubensis Poeppig & Kunth in C. S. Kunth, Enum. Pl. 2: 172. 1837