identification of South American (Juncus?) seed

[Koen Sabbe]

Dear all, 

while analyzing a sediment core from a (now infilled) lake in Peru for pollen and diatoms we came across a unknown seed which is very common at certain depths and may therefore be an important indicator for specific environmental conditions. It may concern a seed of a Juncus species but ideally we would like to know exactly (if at all possible!) what species it is.

For those interested: I have put some photographs of these seeds on the following website: http://allserv.rug.ac.be/~kosabbe/seeds/. The seeds are brightly yellow and a little less than 1 mm long. They were especially abundant right before the lake filled in; the lake itself is situated at an altitude of about 3500 m. I can provide more information if necessary. 

I am not familiar with seeds of higher plants at all so any input would be greatly appreciated. Any reactions can be send to me directly - in case of a positive identification I will send the result to the list.

Many thanks in advance,

Koen Sabbe

PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF ADDRESS !
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K o e n   S a b b e
Lab. Protistology & Aquatic Ecology
Department of Biology, University of Gent
Krijgslaan 281 - S8, B-9000 Gent, Belgium
Tel. 32-9-264.85.11
Fax. 32-9-264.85.99
Koen.Sabbe at rug.ac.be
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