Carex riparia
Curtis
Great Pond Sedge
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Summary
Source: WikipediaCarex riparia, the greater pond sedge, is a species of sedge found across Europe and Asia. It grows in a variety of wet habitats, and can be a dominant species in some swamps. It is Britain's largest Carex, growing up to 130 cm (4 ft 3 in) tall, with glaucous leaves up to 160 cm (5 ft 3 in) long. It hybridises with a number of other Carex species, including the closely related Carex acutiformis – the lesser pond sedge. A variegated cultivar is grown as an ornamental grass.
Description
A sedge. These grow in clumps and have grass like leaves and solid stalks. It is a coarse plant. It grows 150 cm high. The stems are triangle in cross section. The leaf blades have a deep midrib. The flowers are of one sex. The upper flowers are male and the lower flowers are female.
Edible Uses
The root can be eaten cooked, and the seed is also edible. No further details are given on preparation, though the seed is notably small and fiddly to use.
Medicinal Uses
No medicinal uses are known for this plant.
Distribution
It grows in bog areas of cold temperate regions.
Where It Grows
Africa, Asia, Australia, Britain, China, Europe, Iran, Luxembourg, Middle East, North Africa, Russia, Siberia,
Cultivation
Easily grown in a damp to wet soil in full sun or shade. A very aggressive and invasive plant. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.
Propagation
Sow seed in situ in spring in moist soil in light shade. If seed is scarce, sow in a cold frame and plant out in summer. Seed typically germinates in 2–6 weeks at 15°C. Divide plants in spring — large clumps can go directly into permanent positions, while smaller clumps are best potted up in a cold frame until well rooted, then planted out in summer or the following spring.
Other Uses
The straw is used as bedding material.
Notes
There are about 2000 Carex species. There are 200 species in tropical America.
References (6)
- Fl. londin. 2(4): t. 60. 1783
- Hibbert, M., 2002, The Aussie Plant Finder 2002, Florilegium. p 60
- Morley, B. & Everard, B., 1970, Wild Flowers of the World. Ebury press. Plate 25
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Slocum, P.D. & Robinson, P., 1999, Water Gardening. Water Lilies and Lotuses. Timber Press. p 92
Show all 6 references Hide references
- Simpson, D. A. & Inglis, C. A., 2001, Cyperaceae of Economic, Ethnobotanical and Horticultural Importance: A checklist. Kew Bulletin Vol. 56, No. 2 (2001), pp. 257-360
