Family: Cyperaceae
Author: (Poir.) Urb.
Bibliography: Symb. Antill. 4: 116 (1903)
Year: 1903
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Eleocharis
Vegetable: False
Observations: America
Description
Yellow spikerush, scientifically known as Eleocharis flavescens, is a unique and fascinating species within the Cyperaceae family. First documented in the early 20th century, this plant’s name was noted in the renowned botanical publication “Symbolae Antillanae,” authored by Urban in 1903.
This species is predominantly found in various regions of America, thriving in its natural habitat. The Yellow spikerush is recognized for its distinctive appearance, characterized by vibrant yellow-green stems that set it apart from other flora in the Cyperaceae family. These stems are typically thin and erect, often growing in clusters that give the plant its characteristic spiky look.
The Yellow spikerush is an important component of the wetland ecosystems where it commonly grows. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance within these regions, providing habitat and nourishment for various aquatic and semi-aquatic creatures. The plant’s root system also aids in soil stabilization, preventing erosion along the banks and shores where it often resides.
Understanding the growth and behavior of Eleocharis flavescens is essential for conservation efforts, particularly in maintaining the biodiversity of wetland areas. Its presence signals a healthy, functioning ecosystem, making it a subject of interest for botanists and ecologists alike.
In summary, the Yellow spikerush, with its scientific name Eleocharis flavescens, represents a significant yet understated member of the Cyperaceae family. Its role in American wetland habitats underlines the importance of preserving such species to maintain ecological balance and support biodiversity.
Common Names
Ita: giunchina americana
Eng: yellow spikerush, pale spikerush, pale spike rush, wrinkle-sheathed spikerush, wrinkle-sheathed spike-rush, meadow spike rush
Fra: éléocharide jaunâtre
En: Yellow spikerush, Yellow Spike-Rush, Pale Spike Rush, Wrinkle-sheathed Spike-rush, Pale spikerush, Meadow spike rush, Wrinkle-sheathed spikerush
Fr: Éléocharide jaunâtre
It: Giunchina americana
Synonyms
- Scirpus flavescens (Poir.)
- Baeothryon flavescens ((Poir.) A.Dietr.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Arizona (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Bermuda (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- California (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Delaware (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- Florida (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Montana (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Texas (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Uruguay (native)
- Utah (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- Italy (introduced)
- Portugal (introduced)
- Spain (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken May 13, 2020 by Kendra RaiderNature (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken May 13, 2020 by Kendra RaiderNature (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken May 13, 2020 by Kendra RaiderNature (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 27, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 27, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 27, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 27, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Nov 11, 2014 by EOL − Jesse Lincoln (cc-by-nc)
© 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/2717421)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:89663-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Eleocharis flavescens (Poir.) Urb.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Graminoid