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Carex dioica

Scientific Name: Carex dioica

Family: Cyperaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Carex dioica: Dioecious Sedge

Carex dioica, commonly known as Dioecious Sedge, is a fascinating plant with a unique reproductive strategy.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is sometimes found in gardens.
  • Reaches about 10 inches tall.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Carex dioica L.
  • Common Name: Dioecious Sedge
  • Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Synonyms:
    • Carex casteriana Heer ex Boott
    • Vignea dioica (L.) Rchb.
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Carex dioica ssp. gynocrates (Wormsk. ex Drejer) Hultn is also noted in the text.
  • Carex dioica var. gaudiniana (Guthnick) Hausm. is a synonym of Carex gaudiniana Guthnick.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Historically, C. dioica declined dramatically in lowland England before 1930 due to drainage and agricultural improvement.
  • It grows in fens and mires.
  • Found in Britain, Ireland, Iceland, Europe and Asia.
  • Specific locations mentioned include Tarn Moss (Cumbria), Cors Goch (Anglesey), and Northants and P'boro v.c.32.

Morphological Characteristics

  • The plant is described as "kleinwchsig" (small-growing) with a height of 10 to 20 centimeters.
  • It forms runners up to 10 centimeters long but does not form clumps (Horste).
  • The unbranched flowering stems can reach about 10 inches.

Quirky Facts

  • Carex dioica is unusual because it has male and female spikes on separate plants (dioecious).

Ecological Role

  • It is part of diverse rich fen communities.
  • Found in Carex rostrata – Sphagnum warnstorfii mires and Carex rostrata – Calliergon cuspidatum/giganteum mires.
  • Also found in Carex dioica – Pinguicula vulgaris mires.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • It hybridizes with Carex canescens (White Sedge).

Further Information

  • RHS (Royal Horticultural Society): Find help and information on Carex dioica.
  • International Plant Name Index: Search for Carex dioica.
  • NBN Species Dictionary: Search for Carex dioica.
  • Discover Life: Page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Carex dioica.