Table 2 in Hydrostachys flabellifera (Hydrostachyaceae), a new species from Madagascar

Table 2. Comparison of morphological characteristics of Hydrostachys flabellifera, H. verruculosa, H. laciniata, H. distichophylla var. distichophylla, and H. stolonifera.
CharactersHydrostachys flabelliferaH. verruculosaH. laciniataH. distichophylla var. distichophyllaH. stoloniferaLeaf divisionSimpleSimpleSimpleSimpleTripinnatifidLeaf length3-12 cm4-20 cm10-30 cm20-40 cm2-7 cmLeaf emergences arrangementSparsely arranged, not overlappedDensely arranged, overlappedDensely arranged, overlappedSparsely arranged, not overlappedSparsely arranged, not overlappedLeaf emergence shapeFlabellate, palmately partedObovate, margin entireIrregular shape with laciniate marginFalcate, margin entireOften falcate, margin entireAppendix of leaf emergenceWith cilia at the apexGlabrous or with short cilia or tufts of cilia at the apexWithout ciliaWithout ciliaWithout ciliaLength of male spike (including peduncle)5.4-8 cm4-13 cm5-10 cm10-30 cm1-8 cmMale bractRhombic, 1-2.2 mm × 1-2.2 mmRhombic, 3 mm × 3 mmSub-rhombic, ca. 3 mm × 3 mmRounded, 1.6 mm in diameterRhombic, 2-2.5 mm × 2.5-3 mmSegment I on male bractEntire, margins sinuous, flanked by 1-2 tiny lobules on each side, apex acuteEntire, margins sinuous, flanked by 1-2 lobules on each side, apex obtuse3-lobed, the medium lobe larger than the lateral ones, apex of lobes obtuse to roundedEntire, apex rounded or slightly angularGenerally entire, sometimes lobulated laterally, apex acute, obtuse or roundedSegments II on male bract2 rows, each row with 3-5 separated lobules, ca. 0.3 mm high, apex acute or obtuse2-3 rows, each row with 3-4 lobules, 0.6 mm high, apex angular or acute2 rows, upper row with one larger lobule, lower row with 4-5 smaller lobules, 0.3-0.6 mm high, apex obtuse or roundedWithout segments IIGenerally one row with 3 lobules, 0.7-0.8 mm high, apex rounded