Greenstar Sedge (Carex viridistellata)
Description
Carex viridistellata is a recently discovered species (2008) in Carex section Ceratocystis, one of the most well studied sedge groups worldwide. Calciphilic sedge that is always found in sunny, open areas of calcareous wetlands. Can be distinguished from similar species by overall size, particularly perigynium and beak length. Plants are cespitose with perigynia (3-6 mm long) spreading or reflexed. The beaks clearly deflexed on lower portion of spike and nearly or fully half as long as the body. The pistillate scales are yellowish green, similar color as perigynia and inconspicuous in the spikes, the widest leaves are 3.8 mm wide. The larger pistillate spikes are 10-14 mm wide (measured beak tip to beak tip). Flowering: May-early June, Fruiting: June-July, Similar Species: Carex viridistellata is very similar to C. cryptolepis and C. flava. In the field, confusion with C. cryptolepis is most likely because both have similar pistillate scales and individuals can overlap in size characteristics. The longer perigynium beaks (2-3 mm long) and larger pistillate spikes (10-14 mm) distinguishes C. viridistellata from C. cryptolepis which have shorter pistillate spikes (7-10 mm) and perigynium beaks (1-2 mm). It differs from C. flava by having green scales compared to brown scales.
Taxonomic tree
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Domain: Eukarya
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Kingdom: Plantae
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Phylum: Magnoliophyta
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Class: Liliopsida
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Order: Poales
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Family: Cyperaceae
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Genus: Carex
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