Carex austrotenella K.L.Wilson APNI* Synonyms: Uncinia tenella R.Br. APNI*
Description: Small, densely tufted perennial, with very slender rhizome. Culms subterete, compressed, smooth, filiform, to 15 cm high, 0.2–0.4 mm diam.
Leaves filiform, about as long as culms, 0.5–1 mm diam.
Inflorescence ± loose, with 6–12 female spikelets and 3 or 4 male spikelets at apex, 0.7–1.5 cm long, with male portion 2–4 mm long. Female glumes deciduous, acute, with a ± prominent midrib, otherwise nerveless, 3.5–4 mm long, whitish to pale brown, membranous. Perigynia (utricles) obliquely spreading, trigonous, narrow-ellipsoid, about as long as glume, 3.5–4 mm long, 0.8–1 mm diam., smooth, shining, yellow-brown, with hook-like tip of rachilla protruding beyond the perigynium apex. Stamens 2. Style 3-fid.
Nut trigonous, narrow-ellipsoid, 2–2.7 mm long, 0.8–1 mm diam., yellow-brown to grey-brown, glistening, minutely pusticulate.
Flowering: in summer.
Distribution and occurrence: South from Point Lookout on higher tablelands (not alpine). Grows mostly in Nothofagus rainforest.
NSW subdivisions: NT, CT, ST
Other Australian states: Vic. Tas.
Text by K. L. Wilson (1993; edited Aug 2011; Aug 2016; March 2023)
Taxon concept: Flora of NSW 4 (1993)
APNI* Provides a link to the Australian Plant Name Index (hosted by the Australian National Botanic Gardens) for comprehensive bibliographic data
***The AVH map option provides a detailed interactive Australia wide distribution map drawn from collections held by all major Australian herbaria participating in the Australian Virtual Herbarium project.
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