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Carex

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Carex
Carex halleriana
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Plantae
(unranked):
Angiosperms
(unranked):
Monocots
(unranked):
Commelinids
Order:
Poales
Family:
Cyperaceae
Genus:
Carex

Species

See text

Carex rostrata

Carex is a genus of plants in the family Cyperaceae, commonly known as sedges (although other, related species are also called sedges, those of genus Carex may be called "true" sedges). It is the most species-rich genus in the family. The study of Carex is known as caricology. As is often the case, our English term "caricology" originates with the Latin: "caricologia." The eminent botanist Carl Ludwig Willdenow published the 107-page book "Caricologia, sive descriptiones omnium specierum caricis, in usum excursionum botanicarum pro amicis seorsim impressa..." in 1805. Also, David Heinrich Hoppe published the 104-page book "Caricologia germanica oder Aufzahlung der in Deutschland wildwachsenden Riedgraser" in 1826.[citation needed]

The genus was established by Carolus Linnaeus in his work Species Plantarum in 1753. Estimates of the number of species vary from about 1100 to almost 2000 [1]. They are distributed all over the world, but predominantly found in temperate regions.

Most (but not all) sedges are found in marshes, where they can be the dominant vegetation. C. muricata is a rare species which occurs in only a handful of locations within England, and consequently is a protected species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.[2]

Most carex species are very sensitive to artificial fertilisers, including lime. Their population will decline rapidly as the fertiliser is applied to their habitat.

Species

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Carex.

References

  1. ^ Anthony Darrouzet-Nardi (2003-05-05). "Systematics of the genus Carex". {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  2. ^ UKBAP. "Action Plan for Carex muricata". Retrieved 2007-05-06.
  3. ^ USDA NCRS. "Carex haydeniana (cloud sedge)". United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NCRS), PLANTS Database. Accessed June 30 2007.
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