Sedge Leaf Survey

Please note: Paul sends his thanks for everyone’s help with this and says the project is now closed for this year, so please do not send any more now.

The sedge survey

Dr Paul Ashton and colleagues at Edge Hill University are undertaking research into the leaf anatomy of Carex with the aim of comparing phylogenies from leaf anatomy with those derived from DNA.

We are seeking samples from around the country.

For a single species a maximum of five samples in total but no more than three of same species per site. If collecting same species from a single site please ensure a minimum 10 m distance between sample plants.

No limits on number of species collected. Any at all would be much appreciated.

Instructions

Collect 5-10 cm of mature vegetative leaf approximately half way along the leaf (smaller samples OK from very small species). Please ensure it is a vegetative leaf, not one on the flowering culm.

You can collect leaf sections from up to 3 plants in a site, but make sure they are at least 10 m apart (i.e. separate populations).

Keep the samples in wet kitchen roll inside plastic bag, where they will keep in a fridge for a few days before sending.

Label specimens with the following details:

  • the name of the species
  • the site
  • the vice county number
  • the grid reference
  • the date of collection
  • the collector

No limit on number of species collected at any one site.

It is best to cut the leaves, not tear them as that can cause damage.


Post specimens to:-

Dr. Paul Ashton, NGAS, Edge Hill University, St. Helens Rd., Ormskirk, Lancs., L39 4QP.

 

The species

(We cross them off when we have enough samples but you might like to email Paul to say if you’ve collected any. Montane ones will be the hardest ones to get, so please focus on those if you can.)

  • Carex acuta
  • Carex acutiformis
  • Carex appropinquata
  • Carex arenaria
  • Carex atrata
  • Carex atrofusca
  • Carex bigelowii
  • Carex buxbaumii
  • Carex canescens
  • Carex capillaris
  • Carex chordorhiza
  • Carex diandra
  • Carex digitata
  • Carex distans
  • Carex disticha
  • Carex divisa
  • Carex divulsa ssp. divulsa
  • Carex divulsa ssp. leersii
  • Carex echinata
  • Carex elata
  • Carex elongata
  • Carex ericetorum
  • Carex extensa
  • Carex hostiana
  • Carex humilis
  • Carex lachenalii
  • Carex lasiocarpa
  • Carex limosa
  • Carex magellanica
  • Carex maritima
  • Carex montana
  • Carex muricata ssp. lamprocarpa
  • Carex muricata ssp. muricata
  • Carex norvegica
  • Carex ornithopoda
  • Carex pallescens
  • Carex paniculata
  • Carex pilulifera
  • Carex pseudocyperus
  • Carex rariflora
  • Carex rostrata
  • Carex spicata
  • Carex vaginata
  • Carex vesicaria

 

Carex muricata ssp. muricata
Carex acuta