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black alpine sedge

Scientific Name: Carex nigricans

Family: Cyperaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Black Alpine Sedge (Carex atrata & Carex nigricans)

Black Alpine Sedge refers to two distinct species, Carex atrata and Carex nigricans, both belonging to the sedge family. Understanding the nuances of each species is key.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
  • Genus: Carex
  • Species: Carex atrata L. (Preferred name according to some databases) or Carex nigricans C.A. Mey.
  • Synonyms: While not explicitly stated as synonyms, the text uses both Carex atrata and Carex nigricans to refer to Black Alpine Sedge. Further research is recommended to clarify the exact relationship and potential synonymy.
  • Taxon Version Keys: NBNSYS0000165172 (for Carex atrata) and NBNSYS0000002453 (for Carex atrata)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Carex nigricans is native to western North America.
  • Carex atrata is found in alpine regions, including Iceland, Norway, and the Lake District of the UK.
  • It thrives in areas with moist soils and persistent late-season snow.
  • In Britain, *Carex atrata* has a restricted distribution, recorded in only 44 10x10km squares since 1970.

Morphological Characteristics

  • The text mentions a close-up view of the terminal inflorescence of Black Alpine Sedge, with perigynia spreading or becoming deflexed as they mature.
  • It forms dense mats in some areas.

Ecological Role

  • Carex nigricans communities are found in areas with persistent late-season snow, playing a role in these specific ecosystems.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • It is found in association with other alpine plants such as Potentilla crantzii and Poa alpina in the Lake District.

Resources and Further Information

  • RHS (Royal Horticultural Society): Provides information on Carex atrata.
  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database: Offers information and images of Carex nigricans.
  • Discover Life: Features a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Carex nigricans.
  • Biopix.com: Provides images of *Carex atrata*.
  • Floraweb.de: Provides general information on *Carex atrata*.