Flora of North America species comparison

Rhynchospora globularis var. globularis is the most common of the three varieties sharing habitat, particularly disturbed ones, over much of its range with the similarly ubiquitous R. recognita. The differences between the two, once considered co-variants, are striking. Rhynschospora globularis var. globularis shows slender, mostly radiately spreadingascending, lax, comparatively shortleaved culms; its sparser, less leafybracteate clusters have smaller, rounder, darker spikelets. Associated R. recognita is obviously taller, stouter, stiffer, and longer-leaved; its dense spikelet clusters are bristly with exserted-tipped subulate bracts; its spikelets are longer in narrower outline; and it is distinctively red-brown, almost orangebrown.

(Discussion copyrighted by Flora of North America; reprinted with permission.)

Rhynchospora globularis var. pinetorum frequently shares habitat with var. globularis in Georgia and northern Florida and, apart from a slightly taller and stiffer habit, and slightly longer and (sometimes) paler spikelets, var. pinetorum looks like var. globularis in the field. An inspection of fruit reveals significant differences. Of similar length, shape, and thickness, the fruit body of var. pinetorum has a distinct, shallow surface network of subisodiametric lattices nearly level with frame, or alveolae more sunken and frame more raised. While the tubercle of most plants of var. globularis is evenly conic, the slightly longer tubercle of those in var. pinetorum is concavesided and sharpertipped.

(Discussion copyrighted by Flora of North America; reprinted with permission.)