Stinking sedge (Carex foetida, Fl. Pedem. 2: 265 (1785))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: All.

Bibliography: Fl. Pedem. 2: 265 (1785)

Year: 1785

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carex

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & E. Pyrenees, Alps to NW. Balkan Pen.

Description

Stinking sedge, known scientifically as Carex foetida, is a notable species within the Cyperaceae family. First identified and documented in 1785 by All., this plant is distinguished by its characteristic scent, which is reflected in its common name.

This species predominantly thrives in specific regions, including the Central and Eastern Pyrenees as well as the Alps, extending its range to the northwest of the Balkan Peninsula. Such geographical distribution indicates its preference for mountainous terrains where it contributes to the biodiversity of these areas.

Carex foetida, like other members of its genus, exhibits the typical features of sedges—grass-like in appearance, with distinct triangular stems and leaves arranged in three ranks. The plant’s ecological role and adaptations in these mountainous environments are subjects of interest for botanists and ecologists alike.

By understanding the habitat and characteristics of the stinking sedge, researchers can draw insights into the ecosystem dynamics of the regions where it grows, shedding light on the interplay between flora and their environments. The documentation of Carex foetida by historical botanists has paved the way for continued study and appreciation of this unique species.

Common Names

En: Stinking Sedge
Fr: Laiche fétide, Laîche fétide
De: Stink-Segge, Schneetälchen-Segge
It: Carice puzzolente
: Stinking sedge

Synonyms

• Carex baldensis (Vill.)
• Carex foetida f. elongata (Christ)
• Carex villarsii (Willd.)
• Vignea foetida ((All.) Rchb.)
• Caricina foetida ((All.) St.-Lag.)
• Carex foetida f. pallescens (Kneuck.)
• Carex foetida var. lobata ((Vill.) Steud.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 9, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 14, 2020 by michel scandella (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2020 by Angelique Bennett (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2020 by Uwe Rosenke (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Marie Portas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 19, 2020 by Noé Ferrari (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:299789-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2722548)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex foetida All.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.5

Ph minimum: 5.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Soil nutriments: 5