The genus <i>Schoenoxiphium</i> (Cyperaceae). A preliminary account

Abstract

The genus Schoenoxiphium of the tribe Cariceae of Cyperaceae is conservatively accepted as being restricted to the African continent and Madagascar. The special features of the inflorescence structure are described. The following species are provisionally recognized: S. basutorum Turrill, S. distinctum Kukkonen, S. ecklonii Nees, S. filiforme Kükenthal, S. gracile Chermezon, S. lanceum (Thunberg) Kukenthal, S. lehmannii (Nees) Steudel, S. madagascariense Chermezon, S. perdensum Kukkonen, S. rufum Nees, S. schweickerdtii Merxmiiller & Podlech, and S. sparteum (Wahlenberg) Kukenthal. A key to the species is provided and their distribution is roughly outlined. The morphological variation within the species suggests separation of taxa below specific level, or perhaps even at species level, but this will require more detailed information about the ecology, distribution and the cytology.