The systematic anatomy of south Indian Cyperaceae: Cyperus L. subgen. Juncellus, Cyperus subgen. Mariscus and Lipocarpha R. Br.

The three investigated species of Cyperus L. subgen. Juncellus (Griseb.) C. B. Clarke show anatomical differences in the leaf pertaining to the number of vascular bundles and bundle sheaths, size of silica-cells and their wall thickness, while those of subgen. Mariscus (Gaertner) C. B. Clarke segregate into two primary groups depending on the presence or absence of a distinct hypodermis; and the species within each group are further differentiated on the basis of the presence or absence of air-cavities, the number of vascular bundles and their pattern of arrangement in the leaf. The interspecific differences observed within the genus Lipocarpha R. Br. concern the size of the interstomatal cells and the number of vascular bundles and bundle sheaths of the leaf. Keys for the identification of the species in each genus and subgenus are given separately.