4-10 Juncaceae, rush family

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.