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Hawai'i sedge

Scientific Name: Carex alligata

Family: Cyperaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Carex alligata - Hawai'i Sedge

Carex alligata, commonly known as Hawai'i Sedge, is a perennial graminoid native to Hawai'i and other locations.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions that sedges "have edges" referring to the angularity (typically 3-sided) of the plant, which could pose a minor physical irritant.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Carex alligata Boott
  • Common Name: Hawai'i Sedge
  • Genus: Carex L.
  • Family: Cyperaceae (based on mentions of other sedges in Cyperaceae, and the general definition of sedges.)
  • Synonyms:
    • Carex alligata var. degeneri R.W. Krauss
    • Carex pluvia R.W. Krauss
    • Carex pluvia var.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Indigenous to Hawai'i and elsewhere.
  • Found in various habitats, including sea level areas, montane rainforests, cloud forests, and potentially bog ecosystems.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Perennial: Grows year after year.
  • Typically 6-9 cm tall.
  • Has very small brownish spikelets.
  • Leaves are radial.

Quirky Facts

  • In old Hawai'i, the finest makaloa mats were said to come from Ni'ihau, crafted from perennial sedge.
  • The saying "sedges have edges" refers to the angularity (typically 3-sided) of the plant stem.