XVI International Botanical Congess

The Rhynchospora consanguinea complex is characterized by species with a single capitate inflorescence subtended by white involucral bracts. Traditionally it has included R. consanguinea, R. rigida, R. speciosa and R. oaxacana. The first three occur in the Planalto of Brazil while R. oaxacana is restricted to the highlands of southern Mexico. Using morphology (characters of plant size, involucral bracts, and perianth bristles) and foliar anatomy, we recognize three valid species in the complex: 1) the variable R. consanguinea, 2) R. rigida, distinct but with two types of foliar anatomy, and 3) R. speciosa, restricted to the campo rupestre of the Espinhaço mountain range. Rhynchospora oaxacana is regarded as a disjunct population of R. consanguinea.