FLOWERING PLANTS OF THE SEA-SIDE 399 



is sometimes to be seen on sandy shores, but it is rare, and is 

 also a very small sedge, growing only to a height of about three 



Fio. 282. MALE AND FEMALE FLOWERS OF Carex, MAGNIFIED 



inches. It derives its specific name from its curved stem, and may 

 be further distinguished by its channelled leaves and the globular 

 mass of spikelets which are barren on the top. 



Some of the so-called rushes belong to the same order as the 

 sedges, and a few of these are more or less restricted to the neigh- 

 bourhood of the sea. The Salt-marsh Club Bush (Scvrpus mariti- 

 mus), as its name implies, is to be found in marshes near the sea. 

 It is very variable in height, ranging from one to three feet, and 

 displays its dense terminal cluster of spikelets in July and August. 

 In this genus all the flowers are perfect, the glumes imbricated 

 and bristled ; and the present species may be distinguished by the 

 glumes being divided into two sharply pointed lobes. A variety of 

 S. lacustris may also be found on the sea shore, but it is somewhat 

 rare. It has a leafless glaucous stem, and flowers arranged in com- 

 pound spikes. The glumes are rough, and contain a compressed 

 fruit. 



A very small species of the Spike Bush (Eleocharis parvula), 

 growing only one or two inches high, is sometimes found on the 

 muddy shores of Ireland. It has perfect flowers, in a single 

 terminal spikelet. The leaves are very narrow, growing from the 

 base of the plant ; and the round stem is enclosed in a single 

 leafless sheath. 



