Family: Cyperaceae
Author: (Vahl) Roem. & Schult.
Bibliography: Syst. Veg., ed. 15 bis 2: 149 (1817)
Year: 1817
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Eleocharis
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America
Description
Knotted spikerush, scientifically known as Eleocharis interstincta, is a noteworthy member of the Cyperaceae family. This plant was first described in the literature in “Syst. Veg., ed. 15 bis 2: 149 (1817)” by the botanists (Vahl) Roem. & Schult.
Primarily thriving in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Knotted spikerush is an aquatic or semi-aquatic plant that is typically found in wetlands, marshes, and along the edges of ponds and lakes. It plays a crucial ecological role in these habitats, providing both stabilization to the soil with its intricate root system and a habitat for various aquatic organisms.
This perennial grows in dense clumps, often characterized by its cylindrical, jointed stems that can reach impressive heights, depending on environmental conditions. The stems are generally unbranched, topped with slender, spike-like inflorescences that give the plant its common name. These inflorescences are composed of small, tightly packed flower clusters that emerge at the tip of the stems, creating a distinctive “knotted” appearance.
Knotted spikerush is an important component of its ecosystem, aiding in water filtration, sediment trapping, and providing shelter and nutrition to a myriad of wildlife species. It is particularly beneficial in stabilizing marshy shorelines and can be used in restoration projects to improve water quality and habitat conditions.
In horticulture and landscape design, Knotted spikerush can be cultivated in water gardens and constructed wetlands. Its aesthetic appeal, coupled with its ecological benefits, makes it a valuable addition to designed aquatic environments.
Overall, Eleocharis interstincta, with its resilience and ecological contributions, stands as a vital plant species within wetland ecosystems, reflecting the intricate interdependence of flora and fauna in these biodiverse regions.
Common Names
Eng: knotted spikerush, knotted spike rush
En: Knotted spikerush, Knotted spike rush
Synonyms
- Eleocharis cognata (Steud.)
- Eleocharis articulata (Kunth)
- Limnochloa articulata (Nees)
- Limnochloa obsoleta (Nees)
- Eleocharis obsoleta ((Nees) Steud.)
- Eleocharis septata (Miq.)
- Trichophyllum interstinctum ((Vahl) House)
- Scirpus interstinctus (Vahl)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Bahamas (native)
- Belize (native)
- Bermuda (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Cayman Is. (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Florida (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Texas (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
Additional Images
Bark
Taken Sep 30, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Sep 30, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 30, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
© 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.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2716972)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60444117-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Eleocharis interstincta (Vahl) Roem. & Schult.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Graminoid
