4-10 Juncaceae, rush family

Marian C. Munro; Ruth E. Newell; Nicholas M. Hill

Authors

Marian C. Munro Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS
Ruth E. Newell E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Nicholas M. Hill Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Keywords:

Magnoliophyte, rush family, monocots, Juncus, Luzula, rush, wood-rush, black grass

Abstract

There are about 300 species of rushes worldwide, split amongst eight genera. Nova Scotia hosts only two genera. Resembling grasses and sedges, a closer examination reveals the presence of a three-merous perianth. A superior ovary forms three (or many) seeds within a capsule. The inflorescence is generally of tight clusters of heads or cymes, subtended by an involucral leaf. The culms are simple, round or flattened and sometimes septate. Plants are rhizomatous or cespitose. Image use provided by Sean Blaney, Roger Lloyd, David Mazerolle, Martin Thomas.

Author Biographies

Marian C. Munro, Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS

Curator of Botany (NSPM)

Ruth E. Newell, E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Curator of the E. C. Smith Herbarium (ACAD)

Nicholas M. Hill, Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Director; Adjunct Professor