Family: Cyperaceae
Author: (Vahl) Boeckeler
Bibliography: Vidensk. Meddel. Naturhist. Foren. Kjøbenhavn 1869: 143 (1869)
Year: 1869
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Rhynchospora
Vegetable: False
Observations: Mexico to Trop. America
Description
Yerba de estrella, scientifically known as Rhynchospora nervosa, is a remarkable plant species within the Cyperaceae family. This plant is commonly found across a broad geographical range extending from Mexico to Tropical America, demonstrating its adaptability to diverse climatic conditions.
First described by Vahl and later classified by Boeckeler, Rhynchospora nervosa has been a subject of botanical interest since it was noted in 1869 in “Videnskabelige Meddelelser fra den Naturhistoriske Forening i Kjøbenhavn.” The rich history of this plant’s documentation underscores its botanical significance and long-standing presence in the regions it inhabits.
Yerba de estrella thrives in various habitats, typically favoring moist, open areas where it can achieve optimum growth. Its distinctive characteristics make it a notable member of the sedge family, and it contributes to the ecological diversity of its native regions.
Widely recognized for its resilience and ecological versatility, Yerba de estrella plays a crucial role in the ecosystems where it is found. Its presence supports not only the plant community but also provides habitat and resources for various wildlife species.
In summary, Yerba de estrella or Rhynchospora nervosa is a significant plant due to both its wide distribution in tropical regions and its role within the Cyperaceae family. Its historical and botanical relevance continues to be acknowledged by scientists and researchers around the world.
Common Names
Eng: star sedge, star-grass, whitetop sedge, yerba de estrella
En: Yerba de estrella, Star sedge, Star-grass, Whitetop sedge
Es: Cuita de Zoncho, Cuitas, Estrellita, Florcilla Blanca
Synonyms
- Dichromena humboldtiana (F.Dietr.)
- Dichromena ciliata var. vahliana (C.B.Clarke)
- Dichromena nervosa (Vahl)
- Schoenus tenuifolius (Kunth)
- Dichromena tenuifolia ((Kunth) Spreng.)
- Rhynchospora exigua (Boeckeler)
- Rhynchospora nervosa var. tenuifolia ((Kunth) H.Pfeiff.)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Central American Pac (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Galápagos (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Venezuelan Antilles (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Dec 19, 2021 by njörd (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 29, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 25, 2021 by Oliveira Vander (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 15, 2022 by cristian gaviria londoño (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 15, 2019 by Cecilia Aguirre (cc-by-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.
Leaf
Taken Oct 23, 2019 by Gonzalez Johan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 6, 2022 by Carine Bastide (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 10, 2022 by Maitê Bueno Pinheiro (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 22, 2019 by Luis André (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 29, 2021 by Suculentadinha (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 15, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 15, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 7, 2019 by Venegas-Elizondo Carlos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Jul 26, 2021 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 18, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 7, 2019 by Venegas-Elizondo Carlos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2019 by Venegas-Elizondo Carlos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2019 by Venegas-Elizondo Carlos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 18, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Other
Taken Oct 1, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 1, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 1, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 1, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 1, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2721307)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:312330-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Rhynchospora nervosa (Vahl) Boeckeler)
