Class
Order
Classification
Subordinate Taxa
Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Cyperaceae Juss.
Description
Herbs, usually perennial, often rhizomatous. Stems usually solid, often 3-angled. Leaves usually linear, some or all often reduced to basal sheaths. Flowers hermaphrodite or unisexual, each in the axil of a glume (bracteole), arranged in spikelets; inflorescence various, a simple or compound irregular umbel or panicle, or a capitate cluster of spikelets or a solitary terminal spike; commonly with 1 to several setaceous to leaf-like involucral bracts. Perianth of bristles, scales, hairs or 0. Stamens 3–(2–1), rarely 4–6. Ovary superior, 1-locular; style-branches 2 or 3; ovule solitary. Fruit a nut, indehiscent.
[From: Healy and Edgar (1980) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 3.]
Biostatus
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Indigenous (Endemic) | 127 |
| Indigenous (Non-endemic) | 49 |
| Exotic: Fully Naturalised | 42 |
| Exotic: Casual | 9 |
| Total | 227 |
Bibliography
Cronquist, A. 1988: The evolution and classification of flowering plants. The New York Botanic Gardens, New York.
Mabberley, D.J. 2008: Mabberley's plant book, a portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Edition 3. Cambridge University Press.
