Pycreus lanceolatus (Poir.) C.B.Clarke

Global description

Pycreus lanceolatus is a tufted vivacious plant that grows from 20 to 60 cm in height. The leaves are clustered in the lower part of the stem. The inflorescence, which is usually solitary, is terminal, subtended by 3 bracts. It consists of a head of elongated and flattened yellow lanceolate spikelets. The fruit is a brown, biconvex achene.

General habit

Vivacious plant in a tuft measuring from 20 to 60 cm in height.

Underground system

Slender yellow rhizome.

Stem

The flowering axis is erect, and measures 20 to 60 cm high and 0.9 to 1.6 mm in diameter, with a triangular section.

Leaf

The leaves are linear, 7 to 28 cm long and 1 to 4 mm wide maximum, shorter than the stem and inserted in the lower part of the stem. They are tristically arranged, have an acuminate apex, a rough margin and a folded section. Short membranous sheath from 2 to 8 cm long.

Inflorescence

The inflorescence, usually single, is terminal. It forms a head of 8 to 30 spikelets grouped in a capitate cluster. It is 2 to 5 cm wide. It is subtended by 3 leaf bracts, one short and 2 longer, 7 to 22 cm long and 1.3 to 2.4 mm wide, with a rough margin.

Spikelet

The spikelets are flattened, linear-lanceolate. They are 8 to 25 mm long and 2.5 to 3.8 mm wide. They are light brown to golden yellow in colour. The glumes are obtuse, 2 to 2.8 mm long and 1.5 to 2.2 mm wide with flat or acute keel and 2-3 veins. They have a narrow, sinuous golden margin. 2 stamens and bifid style.

Fruit

The fruit is a smooth or more or less punctuated biconvex achene, with a bee apex and a brown colour. It is 0.8 to 1.2 mm long and 0.5 to 0.7 mm wide.
 

Worldwide distribution

Pycreus lanceolatus is widely distributed in tropical Amrica and Africa, and also in Madagascar.

 

https://www.gbif.org/fr/species/2730652