| Taxonomic Comments | The genus Fuirena is most notable for its terminal inflorescences which are composed of (1-) 2-6 elliptical spikelets, each of which look like little bristly pinecones. The spikelets are sessile (without stalks) and attached to each other at their bases (that is, they radiate outward from a central point). Stems grow several to many from one point, are erect to lax, and are generally bristly pubescent (at least on leaf sheaths). Identification is best done with a dissecting scope by checking the shape of the perianth (floral) scale, length of the perianth scale awn, and length of the perianth bristle. See Godfrey & Wooten (1979) for drawings of these parts. Our species grow in seasonally wet or inundated ponds and bays (breviseta, pumila) or seepage slopes and wet savannas (squarrosa). | |
