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Carex pulicaris

Scientific Name: Carex pulicaris

Family: Cyperaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Carex pulicaris: Flea Sedge

Carex pulicaris, commonly known as Flea Sedge, is a distinctive plant found in specific wetland habitats.

Considerations for Pets

  • This sedge has stiff stems that can reach up to 30 cm (approximately 12 inches) in height.
  • The leaves are quite narrow, often less than 1 millimeter (0.04 inches) wide.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Carex pulicaris L.
  • Common Name: Flea Sedge
  • Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Vignea pulicaris (L.) Rchb.
    • Caricinella pulicaris (L.) St.-Lag.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Carex pulicaris is found in Northern and Western Britain and Ireland.
  • It grows in very boggy areas and along stream sides.
  • Specific locations mentioned include:
    • Rivington, Lancs
    • Cow Green Reservoir, Cumbria
    • Valley Lakes, Anglesey
    • Dock Tarn, VC70 Cumberland
    • Cothill, VC22 Berkshire
  • Losses from the lowlands have been noted, especially in areas where it was previously more common.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is a small sedge with stiff stems reaching 10–30 centimeters (4–12 inches) tall.
  • The leaves are 5–25 cm (2–10 inches) long and less than 1 millimetre (0.04 inches) wide.
  • The inflorescence has a unique appearance that resembles fleas.

Quirky Facts

  • When walking through a field of ripe Flea Sedge, the fruits flying through the air can give the impression of a field full of fleas.

Genetic Information

  • Mention of Carex pulicaris isolate STA105 maturase K (matK) gene, partial cds plastid.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • It is often found alongside other sedges such as other Carex species.
  • It can be found in diverse rich fen communities dominated by small sedges, including Carex dioica.

Resources and Further Information

  • RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides help and information on Carex pulicaris.
  • APHOTOFLORA - Photographic Stock Library offers images of Carex pulicaris.
  • Euro+Med PlantBase: http://ww2.bgbm.org/euroPlusMed/PTaxonDetail.asp?UUID=5EDFB052-2650-40A0-BADB-
  • WCSP (Plants of the World Online)
  • NCBI Taxonomy checklist
  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • Tropicos
  • IPCN
  • Wikimedia Commons
  • Alamy stock photo library
  • Discover Life