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coastal sand sedge
Scientific Name: Carex incurviformis var. incurviformis
Family: Cyperaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Sand Sedges: Masters of Coastal Dunes
Sand sedges are a group of plants known for their ability to thrive in the challenging environment of coastal sand dunes. Several species play crucial roles in stabilizing these dynamic ecosystems.
Considerations for Pets
- Some sedges, such as Asiatic sand sedge (Carex kobomugi), can spread rapidly via underground stems (rhizomes).
Considerations for Children
- Some sedges, such as Asiatic sand sedge (Carex kobomugi), can spread rapidly via underground stems (rhizomes).
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
- Carex incurviformis may also be known as Carex maritima var. incurviformis.
- Family: Mentions of family are not found in the text.
Distribution and Habitat
- Sand sedges are commonly found in coastal sand dune ecosystems.
- Carex arenaria thrives in coastal sites, including those in Hanko, Finland, and Ireland.
- Carex kobomugi is native to East Asia and has been introduced to coastal areas of the northeast USA. It is also found in New Jersey.
- Ficinia spiralis is endemic to New Zealand, including the Chatham Islands.
Ecological Role
- Sand sedges are vital for stabilizing sand dunes through their extensive rhizome systems.
- Carex kobomugi (Asiatic sand sedge) is considered an invasive species in some regions, impacting native species diversity.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Sand sedges are perennial plants.
- They spread via underground stems called rhizomes.
- Carex arenaria spreads by long, straight rhizomes.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Sand sedges are found alongside other coastal plants such as Sea Holly (Eryngium maritimum), Sea Bindweed (Calystegia soldanella), red fescue (Festuca rubra), mosses (e.g., Syntrichia), heather, bell heather, lichens, sea spurge, lady's bedstraw, spring whitlow-grass, and early forget-me-not.
- They provide habitat for birds, reptiles, and insects.
Further Information
- Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Carex incurviformis.