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Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani

(C.C.Gmel.) Palla (1888)

This name is accepted

Kingdom: Viridiplantae Phylum: Magnoliophyta Class/Clade: Monocots Order: Poales Family: Cyperaceae Genus: Schoenoplectus

‘aka‘akai [akaakai], ‘aka‘akai naku [akaakai naku], great bulrush, kaluhā [kaluha], naku, nānaku [nanaku], neki

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Description

Key Characters:

Growth Form: Perennials with coarse, horizontally creeping rhizomes 0.8–1.5 cm in diameter.

Stems: Culms solitary or few together, arising in a row along the rhizome, dull green, terete (cylindrical), not nodose, 70–300 cm tall, 5–10 mm in diameter below.

Roots:

Leaves: Leaves simple. alternate Leaves reduced to 3–5 bladeless sheaths, or with blades up to 10 cm long. Margins entire. Sheaths 10–40 cm long, the lower ones dusky brown, soon disintegrating into reticulate fibers, the upper ones pale green, the orifice oblique. Stipules absent.

Flowers: Flowers in inflorescences anthelate, compound to partially decompound, recurved to nodding, with numerous spikelets, the primary rays 3–8, 1–6 cm long, secondary rays up to 2 cm long; involucral bracts 2–3, the lowest one subulate, erect, 1–3 cm long, the other bract(s) membranous, scale-like; spikelets solitary and, or in clusters of 2–3, rusty brown, ovoid to ovoid–ellipsoid, 6–15 mm long, 3–4 mm wide, acute; glumes ovate to elliptic, 2.5– 3.2 mm long, membranous, ± with reddish brown resinous spots on upper median portion, margins broadly white–hyaline, ciliate toward apex, the green midnerve prolonged as a mucro at the obtuse to shallowly emarginate apex; bristles 2–5, shorter than to as long as the achene, retrorsely spinulose– scabrous. Flowers bisexual (perfect). Corolla (petals) absent. Stamens 3. Ovary superior; stigmas 2.

Fruit: Achenes grayish brown; broadly ovoid; 1.8–2.5 mm long; plano–convex. Seeds 1; seed coat thin; free from pericarp; embryo basal; endosperm abundant.

Ploidy: 2n = 38; 40; 42

Habitat: Occurring in fresh and saltwater marshes.

Elevation Range: 0–1,220 m.

Historical Distribution

Images

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Synonyms (51)

Cyperus tabernaemontani (C.C.Gmel.) Missbach & E.H.L.Krause (1900)
Eleogiton tabernaemontani (C.C.Gmel.) Fourr. (1869)
Heleogiton glaucum Rchb. (1830)
Heleogiton tabernaemontani (C.C.Gmel.) Peterm. (1841)
Heleophylax tabernaemontani (C.C.Gmel.) Schinz & Thell. (1908)
Hymenochaeta tabernaemontani (C.C.Gmel.) Nakai (1952)
Schoenoplectus lacustris f. glaucus (Hartm.) Soó (1971)
Schoenoplectus lacustris subsp. creber (Fernald) Á.Löve & D.Löve (1981)
Schoenoplectus lacustris subsp. glaucus (Sm.) Bech. (2002)
Schoenoplectus lacustris subsp. tabernaemontani (C.C.Gmel.) Á.Löve & D.Löve (1975)
Schoenoplectus lacustris subsp. validus (Vahl) T.Koyama (1989)
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani f. paludosus (Boenn.) Soó (1971)
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani f. sub-duvalii (Beckh.) Soó (1971)
Schoenoplectus validus (Vahl) Á.Löve & D.Löve (1954)
Schoenoplectus validus subsp. creber (Fernald) Á.Löve & D.Löve (1954)
Schoenoplectus validus subsp. luxurians (Miq.) Sojak (1972)
Schoenoplectus validus var. creber
Scirpus glaucus Sm. (1812)
Scirpus globifer Welw. ex Steud. (1855)
Scirpus lacustris f. luxurians (Miq.) T.Koyama
Scirpus lacustris f. pictus Honda (1938)
Scirpus lacustris subsp. creber (Fernald) T.Koyama (1963)
Scirpus lacustris subsp. digynus Lönnr. (1892)
Scirpus lacustris subsp. glaucus Hartm. (1846)
Scirpus lacustris subsp. glaucus (Misapplied)
Scirpus lacustris subsp. tabernaemontani (C.C.Gmel.) Syme (1870)
Scirpus lacustris subsp. validus (Vahl) T.Koyama (1929)
Scirpus lacustris var. creber (Fernald) T.Koyama (1965)
Scirpus lacustris var. glaucus (Rchb.) Peterm. (1846)
Scirpus lacustris var. littoreus Wahlenb. (1824)
Scirpus lacustris var. luxurians (Miq.) T.Koyama (1962)
Scirpus lacustris var. tabernaemontani (C.C.Gmel.) Döll (1843)
Scirpus lacustris var. validus (Vahl) Kük. (1926)
Scirpus maritimus subsp. tabernaemontani (C.C.Gmel.) Nyman (1890)
Scirpus siculus Lojac. (1909)
Scirpus tabernaemontani C.C.Gmel. (1805)
Scirpus tabernaemontani f. luxurians Miq. (1886)
Scirpus tabernaemontani f. sub-duvalii Beckh. (1893)
Scirpus tabernaemontani var. major Gaudin (1830)
Scirpus tabernaemontani var. minor Gaudin (1830)
Scirpus tabernaemontani var. paludosus Boenn. (1824)
Scirpus tabernaemontani var. salinus Boenn. (1824)
Scirpus tabernaemontani var. uliginosus (Kar. & Kir.) Regel (1869)
Scirpus uliginosus Kar. & Kir. (1842)
Scirpus validus Vahl (1805)
Scirpus validus f. creber (Fernald) Beetle (1948)
Scirpus validus subsp. creber (Fernald) T.Koyama
Scirpus validus var. creber Fernald (1943)
Scirpus validus var. laeviglumis Tang & F.T.Wang (1961)
Scirpus wahuensis Schrad. ex Boeck.
Scirpus welwitschii K.Richt. (1890)

Uses and Culture

USES

Ethnobotanical Images

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Natural History

Statewide Status

Indigenous

Island Status

Ni'ihau(Incl. Lehua) Indigenous
Kaua'i Indigenous
O'ahu Indigenous
Molokai Indigenous
Maui Indigenous
Hawai'i Indigenous

Dispersal Agents


Pollinators

Bibliography

Name Published In: Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 10: 299 (1888)

Other References

Wagner et al. 1990:1432 (Ni, K, O, Mo, H [as S. lacustris subsp. validus]); Smith 1995:98/Kennedy et al. 2010:21 (Syn. S. lacustris subsp. validus = S. tabernaemontani); Faccenda, Arthur, et al. 2025:174 (WM); Hitchcock 15112 BISH (Mo†, 1916)

Occurrences

SNo. Scientific Name Locality Habitat Basis of Record Description Recorded By Record Number Island Source Date
1 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Oahu Preserved_Specimen Heller, A.A. 2047 Oahu BISH 1895-03-29
2 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Oahu Preserved_Specimen Mann, H. 25 Oahu BISH 1864-01-01
3 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani near Ala Moana marshes Preserved_Specimen Neal, M.C. 1193 Oahu BISH 1939-12-02
4 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Huleia National Wildlife Refuge, Managed Wetland Unit H1-North. Preserved_Specimen Uyehara, K.J. Kauai BISH 2010-04-08
5 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Kapiolani Park, Bird Park Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. Oahu BISH 1949-06-15
6 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Kapiolani Park Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. Oahu BISH 1949-09-11
7 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Koloa, Wahiawa, Kanaele Swamp standing water in swamp Preserved_Specimen Herbst, D.R. 2416 Kauai BISH 1972-05-22
8 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Mauka side of Kiholo Pond, South Kohala Growing on a floating mat of muck between bank vegetation of Thespesia and Casuarina, and open water of fishpond Preserved_Specimen Small patch between bank vegetation and open water, sparsely distributed. Haus, P. Hawaii BISH 2002-12-30
9 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Hauula salt marsh Preserved_Specimen erect Bryan Jr., E.H. 695 Oahu BISH 1929-04-14
10 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Hanalei District, coastal cliffs below Princeville, Kenomene region secondary invasive vegetation, with some relic native taxa native relics include Pandanus tectorius, Scaevola taccada, Vigna marina, Bacopa monnieri, Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, Cyperus javanicus, Fimbristylis cymosa subsp. spathaccea, Portolaca lutea, Lys Preserved_Specimen Sedge, rhizome creeping, around brackish marsh, leaves green, inflorescence recurved, spikelets brown Wood, K.R. 15537 Kauai BISH 2013-06-20
11 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Pukoo along shore Preserved_Specimen Hitchcock, A.S. 15112 Molokai BISH 1916-10-11
12 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Kau, Kiolakaa - Keaa Homestead Addition Disturbed transition forest from Eucalyptus plantings to tall Metrosideros with understory of waiawi and uluhe. In low, wet area. Growing with Rhynchospora, Cyperus and grasses. Preserved_Specimen 5' tall, round sedge stems bluish - green, glaucous, mostly sterile. Patch 20' x 30'. Davis, J. 503 Hawaii BISH 1981-05-28
13 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Waimea Arboretum edge of pond in partial shade Preserved_Specimen Lau, J. 2526 Oahu BISH 1986-06-16
14 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Wahiawa Bog and stream In standing water at mauka end of open bog. Preserved_Specimen Herbst, D.R. 2887 Kauai BISH 1973-02-28
15 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Koloa, Wahiawa Bog, N end standing water of open bog Preserved_Specimen Herbst, D.R. 2887 Kauai BISH 1973-02-28
16 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani makai of Crowbar Ranch, Mokuleia sandy marsh near ocean Preserved_Specimen Calms to 3 m; pale green, glossy below; blue green glaucous above Degener, O. 28012 Oahu BISH 1962-08-07
17 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani W Maui, Wailuku District, Iao Valley In open, swampy, muddy ground Preserved_Specimen Leafless culms to 2m, glaucous, with a solid but spongy pith Oppenheimer, H.L. 41402 Maui BISH 2014-04-02
18 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Bishop Museum old science garden pond, taken out in March of 2005 Standing water 3-5 inches deep. Preserved_Specimen Tall reed-like sedge bluish-green stems with erect to drooping inflorescence at top. 1.5-2 m tall. Crago, L.M. 2005008 Oahu BISH 2005-01-14
19 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani In a bog located S of the Wailuku River, Hilo Forest Reserve, South Hilo District Commonly found growing amongst Carex at the bog edge. Other plants include Juncus planifolius, J. effusus, Andropogon virginicus, Sacciolepis indica, and Carex alligata. Preserved_Specimen A tall rush, 8 feet tall. Clarke, G. 596 Hawaii BISH 1981-05-20
20 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Kahili bog, Wahiawa shallow pools Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 13556 Kauai BISH 1933-12-24
21 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Kaaawa Valley Grazed marsh wetland, standing water and dense silt mud. Surrounding vegetation: Urocloa sp., Cyclosorus interruptus, Cyperus javanicus, Schinus terebinthifolia Preserved_Specimen Evans, A. 7 Oahu BISH 2024-10-17
22 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Hilo Forest Reserve, South Hilo District Growing in dense patches with Carex alligata ion a large bog. Other plants include Andropogon, Luzula, Juncus, and Eleocharis.. Preserved_Specimen A dominant plant. Clarke, G. 611 Hawaii BISH 1981-05-20
23 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Kokee stream Preserved_Specimen Skottsberg, C.J.F. 987 Kauai BISH 1922-10-28
24 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Palolo Valley, Kaau Crater with Ohia, bottom in marsh Preserved_Specimen Egler, F.E. 37318 Oahu BISH 1937-07-29
25 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Lihue/Kawaihau District boundary. Wailua River, near boat-launch area close to Wailua Beach Park. Growing in shallow water along river bank neaar boat launch. Preserved_Specimen Erect aquatic plant growing in loose rhizomatous clusters; stems round and soft, and dark, dull green, over 2 meters tall; inflorescences usually located about 3/4 of the way up the stem; spikelets light orange-straw colored and turning dark grayish brown with maturity. Brock, K. 819 Kauai BISH 2016-05-03
26 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Hanalei, mauka of Kilauea, E of Kalihiwai Reservoir bordered by Kalihawai Ditch and Pohakuhonu and Halaulani streams with Cyclosorus, Ludwigia; bog Preserved_Specimen culms dark green, becoming white at base below surface Flynn, T.W. 3188 Kauai BISH 1988-10-21
27 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Kaupulehu ahupuaa, Kona Village Resort Growing in anchialine pond, along with makaloa, Bacopa monnieri, Schoenoplectus californicus. Preserved_Specimen Stems rounded, not trigonous. Rapoza, C. Hawaii BISH 2001-06-22
28 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Kaau Crater, Palolo wet bog Preserved_Specimen rhizomes orange, roots orange, spongy, spikelet scales pale brown St.John, H. 20319 Oahu BISH 1942-11-29
29 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Wahiawa Bog standing water Preserved_Specimen Herbst, D.R. 2416 Kauai BISH 1972-05-22
30 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Waipio Peninsula; Waipio, Pouhala Marsh between Kapakahi & Waikele Streams Forming a monodominant patch surrounded by mangrove swamp & Batis. Single patch seen. Preserved_Specimen Sedge up to 11 ft. tall. Imada, C. 968 Oahu BISH 1996-12-18
31 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Kawainui Marsh, in drainage makai of levee on NE side of marsh Growing along drainage ditch intermingled with Schoenoplectus lacustris ssp. validus, Rhizophora, Pluchea indica, Paspalum vaginatum. Preserved_Specimen Clumping sedge with stems apple green, shinier than S. lacustris ssp. validus, triangular throughout, up to 6 ft. tall. Imada, C. 20004 Oahu BISH 2000-03-10
32 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Chalon Ranch, Hawi quadrangle, North Kohala Distr, lands of Halelua, in Kay Pond Single small patch in eroded streambed riparian zone, with Schinus terebinthifolius, Metrosideros polymorpha. Preserved_Specimen Uyehara, K.J. Hawaii BISH 2001-01-26
33 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Pouhala Marsh, Waipahu, Oahu, Hawaii Growing in 6-8 inches of water, at edge of mangrove, behind Typha latifolia. Other species Bolboschoenus maritimus, Bacopa monnieri in immediate vicinity, beyond Typha toward shore-Cyperus laevigatus, Eleocharis geniculata, and Batis maritima. Preserved_Specimen Tall, erect bull rush, mostly round in cross section, bluish-green with glaucous covering, to 2 m tall. Crago, L.M. 2005196 Oahu BISH 2005-10-12
34 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Kau, Kiolakaa - Keaa Homestead Addition Disturbed transition forest from Eucalyptus plantings to tall Metrosideros with understory of waiawi and uluhe. In low, wet area. Growing with Rhynchospora, Cyperus and grasses. Preserved_Specimen 5' tall, round sedge stems bluish - green, glaucous, mostly sterile. Patch 20' x 30'. Davis, J. 503 Hawaii BISH 1981-05-28
35 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Hauula Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 2364 Oahu BISH 1916-06-01
36 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Kokee, Waineke Swamp, Waimea Preserved_Specimen 4 m tall St.John, H. 22705 Kauai BISH 1947-08-10
37 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Oahu Preserved_Specimen Heller, A.A. 2047 Oahu BISH 1895-03-29
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