SafePlants

Carex and Sedge Varieties

This page provides information on several plants, including sedges (family Cyperaceae) and related species. Note that the information presented here covers multiple species and may not pertain to a single plant.

Considerations for Pets

• Some varieties, such as Carex comans 'Bronze' (New Zealand Hair Sedge), are commonly available in garden centers and may be present in home gardens.
• Leaves of some species may have "scabrous" or rough edges.
• Some varieties have hairs on the leaves or sheaths, which may present a tactile concern for some animals.

Considerations for Children

• Some varieties, such as Carex comans 'Bronze' (New Zealand Hair Sedge), are commonly available in garden centers and may be present in home gardens.
• Leaves of some species may have "scabrous" or rough edges.
• Some varieties have hairs on the leaves or sheaths, which may present a tactile concern for some animals.

Carex comans 'Bronze'

• Common Name: New Zealand Hair Sedge

Cymbopogon citratus

• Common Name: West Indian Lemon Grass

Distribution and Habitat

• Several species mentioned are native to or found in the West Indies, including the Caribbean region.
• Some sedges are found in specific locations like Jamaica and Barbados (Sedge Pond).
• Habitats mentioned include salt marshes, dry barren lands, and wetlands.
• Some species are found in the Western Ghats region of southern India.

Morphological Characteristics

• Some species, like Fiber Optic grass, have hair-like stems.
• Leaves of some species are covered with soft hairs, creating special effects on dewy and frosty mornings.
• Bud-scales of some species are densely covered with hairs.
• The presence of bulbous-based root hairs is noted in some species.

Ecological Role

• Some species are being used in the rehabilitation of gravel areas.
• Some species are identified as invasive in the Caribbean region.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• The Cyperaceae (sedge family) is discussed.
• Mention of Poaceae (grasses) and Juncaceae (rushes) as related families.
• Synonyms: Carex capillaris is also known as hair-like sedge and hairlike sedge.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) are found in tropical sedges of southern India.
• Prey remains of harriers include feathers, hair, bones, and exoskeletons of insects.
• Seeds of Tillandsia recurvata have tufts of hair that help them fly.

Quirky Facts

• Some Sedges were historically used by snuff manufacturers and to scent hair-powders.

Resources

• The Catalogue of the Seed Plants of the West Indies is referenced.