About

Carex arctogena is a member of the sedge family (Cyperaceae) which grows in high alpine areas. It is one of the few "bipolar" species; it has populations in Greenland, Scandinavia, Russia, Canada and southern South America. Plants in the far north and south appear to be genetically identical, having taken advantage of a similar niches on opposite ends of the globe.

Carex arctogena has often been confused with the closely related Carex capitata. They were classified as one species until Harry Smith distinguished the differences between them 1940. Defining morphological characteristics of this species include: toothed scales which cover the female reproductive parts of the inflorescence, a larger seed relative to the size of the female reproductive sac (perigynia) and round perigynia which quickly taper towards the apex.

Where it grows

This species has a bipolar distribution which means it can be found in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The habitats are usually alpine areas at high altitude. Within its northern locality in Fremont County samples have been found on alpine summits at 2,590–370 metres (8,500–1,200 ft). Whereas, within the Arctic climate of Greenland specimens have been found at maximum altitudes of 250 metres (820 ft).

Other Carex plants

Carex abitibiana · Indian Valley sedge · Abruptbeak sedge · Thicket sedge · Small Dusky Sedge · Seoul Sedge · Acid Loving Sedge · Carex acocksii · Slender Tufted-sedge · Carex acutata · Lesser pond sedge · Circumpolar sedge