Forked rush (Juncus dichotomus, Sketch Bot. S. Carolina 1: 406 (1817))

Family: Juncaceae

Author: Elliott

Bibliography: Sketch Bot. S. Carolina 1: 406 (1817)

Year: 1817

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Juncus

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. U.S.A. to C. America, Greater Antilles, NW. Venezuela, Bolivia to S. South America

Description

Forked Rush, scientifically named Juncus dichotomus, is a notable plant species classified under the family Juncaceae. First officially documented by Elliott in Sketch Bot. S. Carolina 1: 406 (1817), this perennial rush is recognized for its unique bifurcated growth pattern, whereby its leaf structure often appears divided or forked, making it stand out among other rush species.

Juncus dichotomus is widely distributed across diverse regions, ranging from the eastern United States down through Central America, extending into the Greater Antilles, and even reaching into northwestern Venezuela. Its presence further spans southward into Bolivia and across the southern regions of South America. This broad geographical range indicates its adaptability to various climates and ecosystems, showcasing its resilience and ecological versatility.

Typically thriving in wetland habitats, the Forked Rush prefers environments that offer ample moisture, such as marshes, swamps, and along the edges of ponds and streams. Its ability to thrive in these conditions makes it an integral component of wetland flora, contributing to the biodiversity and ecological health of these environments.

The Forked Rush plays a crucial role in its native ecosystems. As part of the Juncaceae family, it provides habitat and food for a variety of wildlife. Moreover, its extensive root systems help to stabilize soil and reduce erosion, highlighting its environmental importance in maintaining the integrity of wetland areas.

Overall, Juncus dichotomus is a fascinating and vital plant species whose ecological roles and widespread habitat underscore its significance in the both the botanical world and its environmental contexts.

Common Names

Eng: forked rush
En: Forked rush
Ar: أسل ثنائي التفرع

Synonyms

• Juncus platyphyllus ((Wiegand) Fernald)
• Juncus tenuis var. dichotomus ((Elliott) Alph.Wood)
• Juncus tenuis var. unicornis (E.Mey.)
• Juncus cognatus (Kunth)
• Juncus albicans (Fernald)
• Juncus dichotomus var. platyphyllus (Wiegand)
• Juncus tenuis var. platyphyllus ((Wiegand) Cory)
• Juncus tenuis subsp. dichotomus ((Elliott) Verloove & Lambinon)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Chile Central (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Austria (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Nov 30, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 30, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 30, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Nov 30, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2701120)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:442886-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Juncus dichotomus Elliott)

Specifications

Growth form>: Bunch

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 4.5