Xyris

Xyris is a genus of flowering plants in the family Xyridaceae, commonly known as yellow-eyed grasses. The genus includes an estimated 40 to 100 species of herbaceous plants native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world, with a concentration in the Americas and Africa and some species reaching temperate zones.

Taxonomically, Xyris is placed in the order Poales. Members are typically perennial or annual herbs with slender, grass-like leaves arranged in a basal rosette. The inflorescence is a dense head or spike that rises above the foliage, and the small flowers are usually yellow. Bracts beneath the flowers often give the inflorescence a distinctive appearance when in bloom.

Ecology and habitat-wise, Xyris species are commonly found in wetlands, bogs, marshes, and along streams or wet meadows. They favor acidic or nutrient-poor soils and are frequently adapted to seasonal flooding. Pollination is primarily by insects, and seeds are often dispersed by water.

Conservation and use notes indicate that habitat loss threatens some species in parts of their range. Several Xyris species are valued in native plant gardens for their bright yellow flowers and distinctive form, though many are not widely cultivated.