Carex tenuiculmis comb. et stat. nov. (Cyperaceae), a threatened red-leaved sedge from New Zealand

Abstract

Specific rank, Carex tenuiculmis, is accorded to the New Zealand endemic C. secta var. tenuiculmis. Carex tenuiculmis is distinguished from C. secta by a tussock habit, red leaves, shorter and scarcely branched inflorescence, the utricle with an obviously winged and scabrid margin, and the utricle-beak entire or the cleft minute. Different chromosome numbers are reported for C. secta and C. tenuiculmis. Carex tenuiculmis grows in wetlands and is considered to be endangered.

Keywords:

• Cyperaceae
• Carex
• Carex tenuiculmis
• Carex secta
• new species
• taxonomy
• conservation
• chromosome number
• New Zealand flora