ON THE VEGETATIVE MORPHOLOGY OF ELEOCHARIS R.BR.

Abstract

The genus Eleocharis, as defined by Svenson (I929), contains six British species, which resemble each other in the possession of leafless photosynthetic haulms which terminate in the fertile state in the simple ebracteate spike. Of these species, E. palustris (L.) R.Br. em. R. & S. is by far the most common in Britain. In the course of an investigation, primarily taxonomic in nature, of this and the closely allied E. uniglumis (Link) Schult., a study of the seedling and adult morphology of these two species has been undertaken. The absence of any previous British work on this subject has led the author to prepare this short account, which refers to both species, as there are no differences between the two in general habit and vegetative morphology. The other four species, viz. E. acicularis (L.) R. & S., E. multicaulis Sm., E. parvula (R. & S.) B., N. & S. and E. pauciflora (Lightf.) Link, all show the same basic morphological plan, but differ in habit; their morphology is readily understood by reference to that here described for E. palustris.