Family: Cyperaceae
Author: All.
Bibliography: Fl. Pedem. 2: 264 (1785)
Year: 1785
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Carex
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Mts. of Europe
Description
Alpine sedge, known scientifically as Carex curvula, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Cyperaceae family. This resilient sedge is indigenous to the mountainous regions of Europe, where it thrives in the harsh conditions typically found at high altitudes. It was first described in the book “Flora Pedemontana,” published in 1785 by Allioni, which remains a significant reference for botanical studies in the region.
This species is particularly well-suited to its alpine habitat, demonstrating a remarkable ability to endure the challenges of cold temperatures, strong winds, and nutrient-poor soils. The Alpine sedge typically forms dense tufts or mats, which helps it to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion on steep slopes and rocky outcrops.
Characterized by its slender, grass-like leaves and inconspicuous flowers, Carex curvula plays a crucial role in the fragile ecosystems of European mountain ranges. Its presence is not only a testament to the biodiversity of these regions but also an indicator of the health of the alpine environment. Like many sedges, it provides essential ecosystem services such as water regulation and habitat for various alpine fauna.
Adaptation to its environment means Carex curvula requires particular conditions to flourish. It prefers acidic, well-drained soils and often grows in areas where snow lingers into late spring, allowing it to take advantage of the moisture from melting snow. Despite its hardiness, this plant faces threats from climate change, which can alter the delicate balance of its alpine ecosystem.
For botanists, ecologists, and conservationists, understanding the distribution, morphology, and ecology of Alpine sedge is crucial. This knowledge helps in efforts to preserve its habitat and, by extension, the broader biodiversity of Europe’s mountainous regions. Continued monitoring and research are essential to ensure that this resilient yet vulnerable species continues to thrive in its native environment.
Common Names
Deu: krumm-segge
En: Alpine Sedge
Bg: Извита острица
Ca: Càrex corbat
Cs: Ostřice zakřivená
Fi: Kaartosara
Fr: Laiche courbée, Laîche courbée
De: Krumm-Segge, Gekrümmte Segge
It: Carice ricurva
Ru: Осока изогнутая
Uk: Осока зігнута
Synonyms
- Kobresia curvula ((All.) N.A.Ivanova)
- Cryptoglochin curvulus ((All.) Heuff.)
- Caricina curvula ((All.) St.-Lag.)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Austria (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- France (native)
- Italy (native)
- Romania (native)
- Spain (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jul 6, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 6, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 17, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Marie Portas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 17, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Marie Portas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 6, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jun 14, 2022 by Fabien Anthelme (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 22, 2022 by Guy DR (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 13, 2020 by Thomas Masclaux (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 24, 2019 by P M (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 17, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Marie Portas (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 6, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 6, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 17, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Marie Portas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 17, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Marie Portas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 17, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Marie Portas (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 15, 2001 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2001 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 17, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Marie Portas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 17, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Marie Portas (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Other
Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2002 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2722112)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:299351-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex curvula All.)