Family: Cyperaceae
Author: Scop.
Bibliography: Fl. Carniol., ed. 2, 2: 225 (1771)
Year: 1771
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Carex
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Alps to W. Balkan Pen, S. Carpathians to SW. Bulgaria
Description
The Rust-coloured Sedge is a remarkable plant known for its striking appearance and adaptability to various alpine environments. Scientifically termed Carex ferruginea, this species was first described in the significant botanical work “Flora Carniolica” (2nd edition) by Giovanni Antonio Scopoli in 1771, whose meticulous description still stands as a crucial reference for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
Belonging to the intricate and diverse family Cyperaceae, the Rust-coloured Sedge is predominantly found in the Alpine regions extending to the Western Balkan Peninsula. Its range also spreads from the Southern Carpathians through to Southwestern Bulgaria. These areas provide the ideal conditions that help this sedge flourish, showcasing Nature’s elegant adaptation mechanisms amidst challenging terrains.
The distinctive feature of Carex ferruginea lies in its rust-coloured inflorescence, which not only renders it easily identifiable but also adds a splash of unique hue to the high-altitude landscapes it adorns. The plant’s resilience is evident in its ability to thrive in rocky, nutrient-poor soils, a testament to its evolutionary vigor.
The Rust-coloured Sedge is more than just a visual delight; it holds substantial ecological value in its native habitats. Acting as a stabilizing agent on steep slopes, this sedge prevents soil erosion, thus playing a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance within these ecosystems.
With its historical botanical significance and ecological importance, Carex ferruginea continues to captivate botanists and nature lovers. Its presence in the high-altitude regions of Europe serves as a reminder of the intricate and often unseen networks that sustain our natural world.
Common Names
Deu: rost-segge
En: Rust-coloured Sedge
Ca: Càrex ferrugini
Nl: Roestzegge
Fi: Ruostesara
Fr: Laiche ferrugineuse, Laîche ferrugineuse, Carex ferrugineux
De: Rost-Segge, Rostrote Segge
It: Carice ferruginea
Synonyms
- Carex cristata (Clairv.)
- Carex alpigena (A.Kern. ex Dalla Torre)
- Carex ferruginea subsp. kerneri ((Kohts) K.Richt.)
- Edritria ferruginea ((Scop.) Raf.)
- Carex ferruginea var. kerneri ((Kohts) K.Richt.)
- Carex ferruginea var. alpigena ((A.Kern. ex Dalla Torre) Nyman)
- Carex kerneri (Kohts)
- Carex ferruginea f. crassispica (Kük.)
- Carex ferruginea f. latifolia (Beck)
- Carex ferruginea f. leiocarpa (Beck)
- Carex gracillima (Steud. & Hochst.)
- Carex frigida (Vill.)
- Carex tenerrima (Murr & Appel)
- Carex scopoliana (Willd.)
- Carex scopolii (Gaudin)
- Carex brevifolia (Host)
- Carex ferruginea f. spadicea (W.D.J.Koch)
- Carex ferruginea f. transiens (Kük.)
- Carex ferruginea var. spadicea (W.D.J.Koch)
- Carex ferruginea f. angustifolia (Beck)
- Carex ferruginea f. tenerrima ((Murr & Appel) Kük.)
- Carex ferruginea f. capillarioides (Murr)
- Carex brachyrhyncha (Gsaller)
- Carex tenuis var. brevifolia ((Host) Nyman)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Austria (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Greece (native)
- Italy (native)
- Romania (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- New Jersey (introduced)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Feb 27, 2020 by Blanca Antonio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 30, 2020 by Herbar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jul 7, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2724481)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:299720-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex ferruginea Scop.)