Schoenoplectus hallii and S. saximontanus

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Lawrence Magrath

Abstract

A survey to determine locations of populations of Schoenoplectus hallii and S. saximontanus was conducted at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in August and September 2000 One or both species were found at 20 of the 134 locations surveyed. A distinctive terminal achene character was found specifically that the transverse ridges of S. hallii appeared to be rounded and S. saximontanus appeared to be rounded with a projecting narrow wing. Basal macroachenes have not yet been properly described but are borne singly at the base of each culm and are about 3-4 times larger than the terminal achenes. It is speculated that amphicarpy may be related to grazing pressure, the basal macroachene being produced even if the upper portion is consumed, as a response to grazing. Both species are grazed/ disturbed by bison, elk, and longhorns on the Refuge.

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