Carex punctata

Carex punctata, the dotted sedge, is a species of flowering plant in the Cyperaceae family. It is native to Macaronesia, northwest Africa, southern, central, and northern Europe, and Turkey.^[3][4] Its chromosome number is 2n=68.^[5]

Carex punctata
Botanical illustration
Inflorescence
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Clade:	Commelinids
Order:	Poales
Family:	Cyperaceae
Genus:	Carex
Species:	C. punctata
Binomial name
Carex punctata Gaudin[1]
Synonyms[2]
List Carex corsicana Link Carex helvetica Schleich. ex Kunth Carex pallidior Degl Carex sismanii Velen

Description

Carex punctata is a perennial, tussock-forming plant very similar to Carex distans, except for the length of the lowest bract, which in Carex punctata exceeds the inflorescence, whereas in the case of Carex distans the bract is shorter than the spikelet.^[6] It grows to a height of 40–80 centimetres (16–31 in) tall. Leaf sheaths are brown; blades are green, flat and 3–4.5 millimetres (0.12–0.18 in) wide. The inflorescence consists of one or multiple flower spikes, appearing between March and May.^[7]

Distribution and habitat

Carex punctata favours sheltered rock ledges and crevices on sea-cliffs. It also grows in salt marshes, and rocky or sandy areas where rivers and streams reach the ocean.^[8]

Subtaxa

The following varieties are currently accepted:^[3]

• Carex punctata var. laevicaulis (Hochst. ex Seub.) Boott
• Carex punctata var. punctata