Cooma North Ridge Reserve

Hello NatureMaprs!This is an appeal to any current moderators or those looking to become a moderator. NatureMapr is now recieving an increased number of sightings from the NSW North Coast region (exci...

Yes indeed on all points. Let's systematically just assist the taxonomists, even in small steps ways !

OK, and thank you. It's grown somewhat from an incidental sighting of a sedge-like plant that I hadn't noticed before while out trying to control woody weeds. Your comments have been noted, appreciated and taken on board. I assume that getting the taxonomy rights should precede revision of the plant keys.

Plunkett, George T. (2016) (Supervisors : Jeremy Bruhl and Karen L. Wilson)
Systematics, Evolution and Ecology of Eastern Australian Species Of 'Lepidosperma' Labill. (Cyperaceae).
Doctoral Thesis [PhD] .
University of New England, Armidale NSW .
https://rune.une.edu.au/web/handle/1959.11/57480

Quotation:
"
Abstract:

This thesis investigates the systematics and ecology of the eastern Australian species of Lepidosperma Labill. (Cyperaceae). The investigation sets the c. 33 eastern Australian species in context with the c. 76 described species found throughout Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia and southern Asia.

We investigated the status of a putative new species of Lepidosperma from the mountains of south-western Tasmania using phenetic analysis on morphological/anatomical data (Chapter 2). Our results support the recognition of this species, here described as Lepidosperma monticola G.T.Plunkett & J.J.Bruhl. The distribution, habitat and conservation status are discussed.

The thickened and persistent perianth members of Lepidosperma diaspores are generally assumed to form a unique type of elaiosome. We tested whether these perianth members provide a food reward and improve the removal of diaspores by ants (Chapter 3). We measured the physical traits of diaspores, the lipid and fatty acid composition of the perianth, and the relative attractiveness to ants of the perianth of some species of Lepidosperma. We found that diaspores of Lepidosperma show traits consistent with myrmecochory, particularly the lipid content of perianth material and the presence of oleic acid in fruit and perianth of Lepidosperma. Diaspores of Lepidosperma and Acacia were equally attractive to ants. We concluded that the perianth members act as an elaiosome that provides a lipid-rich food reward and contains known ant attractants.

Lepidosperma viscidum R.Br. forms a highly diverse complex distributed across southeastern Australia. We utilised multiple sources of data to delimit species: phenetic analyses using morphology/anatomy; novel resin metabolic fingerprinting; and phylogenetic analyses via nuclear ribosomal (ETS) and chloroplast (trnL-F) gene sequencing (Chapter 4). Our results give strong support for a more condensed circumscription of L. viscidum s.s., and the recognition of at least three undescribed species.
[See also : https://www.researchgate.net/publication/277140248_Sticky_Sword-Sedge_Systematics_Lepidosperma_viscidum_Cyperaceae ]

Lepidosperma is taxonomically difficult for non-specialists and specialists; delimitation of many species of Lepidosperma has long been problematic. We used nuclear ribosomal (ETS) and chloroplast (trnL-F) gene sequence data from over 300 specimens for phylogenetic analysis and to test known and putative species. Overall, the analysis provides good resolution above the level of species, but little support for higher relationships within the genus. We found that most described species are well supported but the L. laterale R.Br. clade in particular continues to be unresolved. The analyses also provided support for the recognition of at least four further undescribed species and highlights avenues for future work.
" .

My suggestions here include making sightings in a proactive and systematic way,
including please (on the 'front foot') with more recording of evidences for Lepidosperma laterale s.l., s.s. and related taxa,
so that all small steps by steps contribute to the necessary further studies .

The VicFlora Lepidosperma laterale page and the VicFlora Lepidosperma gunnii page,
are based on the 1994 print–published Flora of Vic. .

Much of the Flora of NSW online PlantNet Lepidosperma species' pages also are based on the taxa concepts in the 1993 print–published Flora of NSW with subsequent smaller, minority parts, updates.

Flora of NSW online PlantNet Lepidosperma laterale page quotation:
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The style is sometimes 4-fid.
A variable species, whose limits compared with L. gunnii and L. latens are not clear.
Several varieties have been recognized in this species, but they do not seem to be useful categories.
Further study is needed.

Text by K. L. Wilson (1993); edited KL Wilson (2011, May 2020)
Taxon concept: Flora of NSW 4 (1993) .
"