FLORA OF ICELAND elements: Carex capitata, Capitate Sedge, Hnappstör

Carex capitata; The Capitate Sedge is a small sedge with one terminal spike on the stem (male flowers on top forming a narrow beak). It is a mid-sized sedge (densely tufted 15-30cm. tall) that is quite common throughout Iceland. However, it is more rare in the north-western fjord districts, the Snæfellsness region, the Reykjanes peninsula and is missing in the deserts of the interior. The capitate inflorescence with brown scales under greenish utricles make this species easily identifiable.
The Capitate Sedge is a member of the sedge family (Cyperaceae). The Icelandic name of this species is Hnappstör.

A brief introduction to Iceland plants
Text & Photographs by Dick Vuijk
- unless stated otherwise
Other Sedge family members (true sedges)

Other Sedge family members (true sedges)

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Natural History of Iceland Site  in Dutch

Natural History of Iceland Site  Dutch