Plant Listings

Common Names Spike Rush

Family:  Cyperaceae

Habit: Eleocharis cellulosa grows as a clumping herb that produces rhizomes. The stems are round, to 75 cm in height (typically 25 cm), and to 4 mm wide. The leaves are reduced to a reddish sheath with an apiculate tip at the base of the stem.

The actinomorphic flowers occur in spikes at the ends of the stems. A single bract subtends each flower. The calyx and corolla are reduced to 6 bristles. There are 3 stamens. The ovary is superior and has a 3-lobed style and a single locule. The fruit is an achene at maturity. The achene has a conical tubercle.

Habitat: Eleocharis cellulosa grows along the edges of fresh water wetlands, in Sabal palmetto woodlands and in mangrove areas that are only slightly brackish.

Distribution in Bahamas/Globally: Eleocharis cellulosa occurs on all island groupings in the Bahamian Archipelago as well as the coastline of the United States, and the entire Caribbean region.