Nuytsia 7(2): 161-182(1990) 
161 
Taxonomic Studies of Fimbristylis (Cyperaceae) in Northern Australia 
P.K. Latz 
Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory, P.O. Box 1046, Alice Springs, N.T. 0871 
Abstract 
Latz, P.K. Taxonomic studies of Fimbristylis (Cyperaceae) in northern Australia. Nuytsia 7(2): 161-182 (1990). Die 
following new species are described: Fimbristylis arnhemensis, F. blakei, F. caloptera, F. carolinii, F. composila, 
F. dunlopii, F. laxiglumis, F . rupestris and F. simulans. F. alien 'd Turrill, F. oligocephala W. Fitzg. and F. stellata S. 1 . 
Blake are relegated to synonymy under F.furva R. Br., F. cephalophora F. Muell and F. schultzii Boeck, respectively. 
Problems with several other species are discussed. A key to Australian species is presented. 
Introduction 
Fimbristylis Vahl is a large world-wide genus of predominantly iropical distribution. In 
Australia it is more or less restricted to northern tropical and sub-tropical areas. S.T. Blake 
contributed much to our understanding of the Queensland species, so in this paper I concentrate 
mostly on the more westerly members of the genus. Much more research is required on this poorly 
collected but large and difficult group, especially in regard to the species occurring in Western 
Australia and also in regard to its generic limits. 
Description of New Species 
1. Fimbristylis arnhemensis Latz, sp. nov. (Figure 1) 
Fimbristylis subaristatae Benth. affinis sed nuce sine costis prominentibus, stylo glabro absque 
base bulbosa, bracteis involucralibus brevioribus, et absentia spicularum disticharum basalium 
differt. 
Typus: Deaf Adder Gorge (13° 02’ S, 132° 57’ E), Northern Territory, 21 February 1977, 
C.R. Dunlop 4333, (holo: DNA; iso: BRI, CANB n.v., NT). Sandy soil on rocky ledge on 
sandstone escarpment. 
