Compilation
Cyperus somalidunensis

Small tussocky perennial with swollen stem-bases forming a ± regular row (indistinct rhizome) with only the 1–2 youngest carrying a stem; roots with prominent tomentum; stems 5–15 cm long and 0.7–1 mm thick, obscurely angular to somewhat compressed, usually scabrid at least on some ridges. Leaves many, mostly basal and 2.5 cm up the stems only; sheath reddish brown to almost black but with pale membranous margins and c. 7 prominent nerves that gradually split up into fibres; blades 3–10 cm long and 1–1.5 mm wide, flat but very thick and with prominent teeth along margins, often curved at apex; upper surface without nerves but with prominent rectangular cells; lower surface with indistinct nerves but without a prominent midrib. Inflorescence a dense terminal irregular cluster of spikelets to c. 1 cm in diam., consisting of 5–15 crowded sessile spikelets; involucral bracts 2–3, spreading or reflexed, leaf-like and to c. 2 cm long. Spikelets 4–6 x c. 2 mm, ovate-lanceolate with acute apex, hardly compressed with irregularly distichous glumes, 5–9-flowered. Glumes 3–4 mm long, elliptic-ovate, medium reddish brown with an indistinct often incurved pale margin and 5–6 slender nerves on each side of the obscure only slightly keeled midrib ending in the obtuse apex or slightly excurrent. Style with 3 long branches. Nutlet 1.4–1.5 x 1.1–1.2 mm, greyish brown to black, elliptic and prominently triangular with 1 concave and 2 flat sides; surface smooth or minutely papillose.