Carex dioica; The Dioecious Sedge is a rather small perennial sedge (often no more than 10 cm, maximum 18 cm). It is unique as it is Iceland's only dioecious sedge (see below for meaning).
It is a glabrous plant spreading through small rootstocks. There are only basal leaves (5-20cm long 1mm or less wide). They are shorter than the inflorescence stem. The stomata are on the bottom of the leaves.
An individual plant has either one male or one female terminal spike - hence the name "dioecious". The female flowers have two stigma's. The utricles are brown with clear veins and a relative medium long, pronounced beak. The female spikes are about 1cm long. The male spikes are a bit longer (up to 1½cm long).
It grows widespread on wet soils but is missing in high altitudes
It is a member of the sedge family (Cyperaceae). The Icelandic name of this species is Sérbýlisstör.
FLORA OF ICELAND elements: Carex dioica, Dioecious Sedge, Sérbýlisstör
A brief introduction to Iceland plants
Text & Photographs by Dick Vuijk
- unless stated otherwise
Text & Photographs by Dick Vuijk
- unless stated otherwise
Other Sedge family members (true sedges)
Other Sedge family members (true sedges)