A NEW SPECIES OF CAREX SECTION ABDITISPICAE (CYPERACEAE) FROM SOUTH AMERICA AND ADDITIONAL NOTES ON THE SECTION

Abstract

Carex ruthsatzae of sect. Abditispicae (Cyperaceae) is newly described and illustrated from Bolivia. This species grows in high Andean moors, at elevations above 4000 m s.m., and is characterized by having all of its spikes borne at the base of the plant and leaves less than 1.5 mm wide. In addition, various notes regarding other members of section Abditispicae are presented here, such as range extensions and habitat information, and a key to the species is offered. Moreover, because some members of this section display a trend toward dioecy, this intriguing adaptation is also briefly discussed.