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coastal sand sedge

Scientific Name: Carex incurviformis var. danaensis

Family: Cyperaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Sand Sedge and Coastal Companions: A Botanical Overview

Sand sedges are common inhabitants of coastal sand dunes, playing a vital role in these dynamic ecosystems. Several species are referenced here, each with unique characteristics and distributions.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some sedges spread via rhizomes, which could be dug up by pets.

Scientific Names and Common Names

  • Carex arenaria: Sand Sedge
  • Carex kobomugi: Asiatic Sand Sedge
  • Carex incurviformis: Coastal Sand Sedge
  • Ficinia spiralis: P?ngao, P?kao, Golden Sand Sedge, Cutty Grass, Tumbleweed

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Cyperaceae (for Carex kobomugi, inferred for other Carex species)
  • Synonym for Carex incurviformis: Carex maritima var. incurviformis

Distribution and Habitat

  • Sand sedges are typically found in coastal habitats, specifically sand dunes and beaches.
  • Carex arenaria is found in coastal dunes in locations such as Finland and is common on sand dunes and sandy shores around Ireland.
  • Ficinia spiralis is endemic to New Zealand, including the Chatham Islands.
  • Carex kobomugi (Asiatic Sand Sedge) is native to East Asia and has been introduced to coastal areas of the northeast USA.

Ecological Role

  • Sand sedges play a crucial role in stabilizing sand dunes.
  • Carex kobomugi (Asiatic Sand Sedge) is considered an invasive species in some regions, impacting native species diversity. Its spread rate is a concern in areas like New Jersey.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Sand sedges are perennial plants that spread via underground stems (rhizomes).
  • They are adapted to the harsh conditions of coastal beaches and dunes.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Sand sedges grow alongside other coastal plants such as Sea Holly (Eryngium maritimum), Sea Bindweed (Calystegia soldanella), red fescue (Festuca rubra), mosses (e.g., Syntrichia), heather, and lichens.

Further Information

  • Discover Life: Provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Carex incurviformis.