Cyperaceae Pollen

The Cyperaceae (sedge) is large family of grass-like plants with over 5,000 species occuring  on all continents except Antarctica; they are especially dominant in wetland environments. Sedges are also common in areas with poor soils. There are 189 species of sedges in Oklahoma with Carex the largest genus, followed by Cyperus. The small, inconspicuous flowers are often arranged in spikelets. 

Pollen in the Cyperaceae cannot be identified to genus level by microscopy. As a result, the pollen is only identified as Cyperaceae pollen in air sample analysis. The pollen grains are large (30 to 40 µm in length), pear-shaped and appear triangular in outline. The apertures are referred to as poroidal (pore-like region with an indistinct margin). The poroidal aperture located on the wide end of the grain is usually visible. Additional poroidal areas often occur on the sides but are less distinct. Cyperaceae pollen is captured in our Tulsa air samplers from late March through June.