Carex litorosa, commonly known as sea sedge,[1] is a tussock-forming species of perennial sedge in the family Cyperaceae. It is native to New Zealand.[2]

Carex litorosa
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Cyperaceae
Genus: Carex
Species:
C. litorosa
Binomial name
Carex litorosa

Description edit

The sedge has an upright habit and can reach a height of 80 cm (31 in) but is more often smaller. It appears as a reddish to pale green coloured tussocks that have curly tops. The leaves are about as long as the stems and has a width of 1.5 mm (0.059 in). They are curved on one side and flat on the other and are slightly serrated along the edges. The upright and cylindrical flower stems produce light brown coloured spikes. The plant flowers between October and December and fruits between December and April although the seed heads can remain for much longer.[1]

Taxonomy edit

The species was first described in 1889 by the botanist Liberty Hyde Bailey as a part of the Memoirs of the Torrey Botanical Club.[3] It has two synonyms;

  • Carex australis as described by Kirk
  • Carex littoralis described by Petrie.[4]

Distribution edit

It is often situated along tidal riverbeds that are sandy and in brackish to salty marshlands. Its range is in both the North Island and South Island of New Zealand and well as Stewart Island.[1]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c "Carex litorosa". New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. 2022. Retrieved 10 November 2022.
  2. ^ "Carex litorosa L.H.Bailey". Kew Science – Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 10 November 2022.
  3. ^ "Carex litorosa Bailey". International Plant Names Index. Retrieved 10 November 2022.
  4. ^ "Carex litorosa Bailey". World Flora Online. Retrieved 10 November 2022.