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Molokai flatsedge
Scientific Name: Cyperus phleoides
Family: Cyperaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Cyperus phleoides
Also known as Molokai flatsedge, Cyperus phleoides is a plant belonging to the Cyperaceae family.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cyperus phleoides (Nees ex Kunth) Hillebr.
- Common Name: Molokai flatsedge
- Family: Cyperaceae
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Synonym: Mariscus phleoides
- Subordinate Taxa:
- Cyperus phleoides (Nees ex Kunth) Hillebr. var. hawaiensis (H. Mann) Kk.
- Cyperus phleoides (Nees ex Kunth) Hillebr. var. phleoides
Distribution and Habitat
- Cyperus phleoides is endemic to Hawaii, specifically mentioned on the islands of Molokai, Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island. It was also present on Niihau and Lanai but has been extirpated from those islands. It also grows in Laysan in the northwestern part of the Hawaiian island chain.
- The plant is found in habitats such as Halawa, Molokai.
Morphological Characteristics
- Cyperus phleoides is a graminoid and a perennial plant.
- It can reach a height of 4 meters.
- The plant assumes a green coloring in the spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Considerations for Pets
Based on available safe plant rating information, Molokai Flatsedge is not considered safe for dogs or cats.
Considerations for Children
Based on available safe plant rating information, Molokai Flatsedge is not considered safe for children.
Related Species
- Cyperus fauriei: A rare species of sedge also endemic to Hawaii, known as alpine flatsedge, which grows on Molokai.
- Cyperus cuspidatus: Coastal plain flatsedge.
- Cyperus louisianensis: Louisiana flatsedge.
- Cyperus lecontei: Le Conte's flatsedge.
- Cyperus esculentus: Chufa flatsedge.
Further Resources
- Discover Life
- Plants of Hawaii (Forest and Kim Starr)
- Starr Environmental