Fimbristylis cymosa subsp. umbello-capitata

Description:

Mauu akiaki, Button sedge, or Tropical fimbry CyperaceaeIndigenous to the Hawaiian IslandsLie Point, OahuSeedhead shown. Naupaka kahakai (Scaevola sericea) in the background.Habitwww.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/4839126769/in/photolist-...Mauu akiaki is common on sandy beaches and in shallow sand or silt on and among rocks and cracks in lava on all the main islands, except Kahoolawe, and in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands or Papahnaumokukea only on Kure and Midway atolls and Laysan.Hawaiian NamesMauu akiaki is a Niihau name and generally used by the locals. Mauu means grass, while akiaki refers to certain varieties of grass, such as mnienie akiaki or Beach dropseed (Sporobolus virginicus) and akiaki haole also known as Buffalo grass or St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum), a common turfgrass used for lawns in Hawaii.EtymologyThe generic name Fimbristylis is derived from the Latin fimbria, thread or fringe, and the Greek stylos, pillar or column, in reference to the fimbriate style of some members of this genus.The specific epithet cymosa is Latin for "full of shoots."The subspecific name umbello-capitata is derived from the Latin umbello (umbrella), shade or parasol, and capitatus, head, in reference to the umbrella-like or knobby seed head of this species.NPH00006nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Fimbristylis_cymosa_um...