Carex alligata
Genus
Carex
Species
alligata
Common Names
- Hawaiʻi sedge
Synonyms
- Carex cristacea
- Carex pluvia
- Carex sandwicensis
Distribution Status
Endemic
Endangered Species Status
No Status
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Non-Woody, Clumping
Mature Size, Height (in feet)
- Grass-like, Tall, Greater than or equal to 2.5
Mature Size, Width
1 to 3 feet.
Life Span
Short lived (Less than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Accent
- Container
- Erosion Control
- Ground Cover
Additional Landscape Use Information
Carex of several species have been used as ornamental additions in landscapes on the mainland for the interesting, sometimes colorful, foliage and seedheads. A few species are now in cultivation in Hawaiʻi.
Similar use in landscape as Oʻahu sedge (Carex wahuensis), except that Hawaiʻi sedge likes more water and grows to 3 feet. [Ethan Romanchak, Native Nursery, LLC]
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Type
Not Showy
Plant texture
- Coarse
Additional Plant Texture Information
Leaves are 2 to 3 feet long
Leaf Colors
- Dark Green
- Light Green
- Medium Green
Water Requirements
- Wet
Light Conditions
- Full sun
- Partial sun
Limitations
Best to divide and replant Hawaiʻi sedge as necessary after 2 to 3 years. [Ethan Romanchak, Native Nursery, LLC]
Natural Range
- Kauaʻi
- Oʻahu
- Molokaʻi
- Maui
- Hawaiʻi
Natural Zones (Elevation in feet, Rainfall in inches)
- 2000 to 2999, Greater than 100 (Wet)
- 3000 to 3999, Greater than 100 (Wet)
- 4000 to 4999, Greater than 100 (Wet)
Additional Habitat Information
Hawaiʻi sedge can be found growing in wet forests, along stream banks, and other wet sites in its native habitat.
Special Features and Information
General Information
There are about 2,000 species of Carex worldwide, more than any other genus in the Sedge family or Cyperaceae. Half of the eight species of Carex native to the Hawaiian islands are endemic or naturally found nowhere else.
Etymology
The generic name Carex is the classical Latin name for sedge, pehaps from carere, to be absent, as the upper spikes are staminate (male) and do not produce seeds.
The meaning of the specific epithet alligata is obscure. (alligator? software? person's name?)
Early Hawaiian Use
None of the eight native species appear to have any known Hawaiian names. Certainly the people knew these of interesting sedges and perhaps had uses for them.
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