Abstract
A taxonomic revision of the Epischoenus group of the southern African Schoenus is presented. Based on data from a review of specimens from nine herbaria and recent field collections, we revise the delimitations and distributions of eight species (Schoenus adnatus, Schoenus complanatus, Schoenus dregeanus, Schoenus gracillimus, Schoenus lucidus, Schoenus neovillosus, Schoenus quadrangularis and Schoenus schonlandii). In addition, we describe three new species to science: Schoenus crinitus, Schoenus rigidus and Schoenus selinae—all endemic to the Western Cape Province and adjacent areas of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. For these 11 Schoenus species, we update nomenclature, species circumscriptions and distribution maps, as well as present character tables and provide a taxonomic key. Species in the Epischoenus and allies group are perennial, caespitose graminoids that generally lack leaves along the lower parts of their culms, and they all have a conspicuous prolongation of the internodes between the florets of each spikelet. Differences in culm and inflorescence shape, hairiness and nutlet form are key characters that can be used to differentiate the species within this group.
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