Xyris

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  X. torta

  1a. Keel of lateral sepals firm, ciliate except at the red-fimbriate tip; leaves twisted; base of plant abruptly bulbous
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  1b. Keel of lateral sepals weak, scarious, entire to lacerate; leaves plane; base of plant not abruptly bulbous
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    X. montana

    2a. Sheaths minutely papillose; leaves 0.8–2 (–3) mm wide; floral scales 3–4 (–4.5) mm long, erose or minutely fimbriate along the margins, lacking a well-defined, green central region; lateral sepals red at apex, the keel entire or lacerate near the apex
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    2b. Sheaths smooth; leaves 2–15 mm wide; floral scales (4–) 5–8 mm long, entire, with a well-defined, green central area [Fig. 310]; lateral sepals not red at apex, the keel lacerate much of its length
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      X. smalliana

      3a. Tips of lateral sepals exserted beyond floral scales; seeds (0.6–) 0.7 (–0.8) mm long; spikes 10–20 (–25) mm tall, the apex usually rounded
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      X. difformis

      3b. Tips of lateral sepals concealed by floral scales [Fig. 310]; seeds 0.5 mm long; spikes 5–15 mm tall, the apex usually acute

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