Carex applanata (Cyperaceae), a new species from southern New Zealand

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

ABSTRACTA new species, Carex applanata, is described from the Old Woman, Old Man, Umbrella, Garvie, Pisa and The Remarkables Mountains in southern Central Otago and northern Southland. This low-growing sedge is distinctive in the congested spikes on culms shorter than the leaves, female flowers above male, and flattened habit. It occupies a habitat type rare in the region, but within suitable sites the population can number in the hundreds of plants. Carex applanata is considered to have a conservation status of ‘At Risk/Naturally Uncommon’—qualified RR (‘Range Restricted’) and DP (‘Data Poor’) using the New Zealand Threat Classification System because the species is naturally confined in its habitat preferences, but as a newly described alpine species it is poorly known.