Scleria is a genus of approximately 200 flowering plants in the sedge family Cyperaceae, placed in the kingdom Plantae. Members of the genus are known commonly as nutrushes. The genus is distributed throughout the tropics, with a number of species extending their ranges into temperate regions.
Plants within Scleria are morphologically diverse. They are mostly perennial herbs, though some species are annual. Many produce rhizomes; growth form ranges from solitary stems to dense clumps. Stature varies from a few centimetres to well over one metre in height. Leaf number and inflorescence complexity both vary considerably — inflorescences may bear a single spikelet or more than one hundred. In spite of this variation, reliable identification of species typically requires examination of the fruits and subterranean structures rather than vegetative characters alone.
The genus name derives from the Greek word for "hardness," referring to the characteristically tough, hard seeds that are a diagnostic feature of the group.
Etymology
The genus name Scleria is derived from the Greek word meaning "hardness," an allusion to the tough, hard seeds characteristic of the group.
Distribution
Scleria species are distributed throughout the tropics worldwide, and several species extend their ranges into temperate regions.
Ecology
Members of Scleria occupy a range of tropical and subtropical habitats. As sedges, they are frequently associated with wetlands, forest margins, and open grassy areas. The varied growth forms — from small rhizomatous perennials to tall clumping plants — reflect adaptation to a broad spectrum of moisture and light conditions across their tropical range.
