Eleocharis multinerviglumis, a remarkable new aquatic sedge species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest biome

Abstract

Eleocharis multinerviglumis, a new species of Eleocharis ser. Tenuissimae (Cyperaceae) known only from the Poços de Caldas plateau in southeastern Brazil, is described here. The new species was found growing in an Atlantic Forest remnant as a submerged or emergent herb in a flooded environment. Eleocharis multinerviglumis differs from other Eleocharis ser. Tenuissimae species mainly by having dimorphic spikelets, with the upper glumes of the spikelets on the culm apex with 7 to 10 prominent longitudinal nerves on both sides (rib-like). Taxonomic notes, an occurrence map and illustrations (including SEM images) are provided.

Keywords:
Cyperoideae; Eleocharis ser. Tenuissimae; Neotropics; spikerush; taxonomy