The inserted position of the flower-bearing stems of Carex multifolia (Cyperaceae)

Abstract

The variation in the inserted position of flower-bearing stems of Carex multifolia was examined. It was revealed that this character was very variable in this species and that it was taxonomically significant. The flower-bearing stems were central and/or lateral, and two main types were recognized: the unit of tuft is not terminated by a central flower-bearing stem, i.e., the flower-bearing stems are lateral only (A-type), or the unit of tuft is terminated by a central flower-bearing stem (B-type). These main types were subdivided as follows. A-1: constantly a single flower-bearing stem inserted in the leaf axils, var. multifolia, var. toriiana and var. globosa. A-2: often a few flower-bearing stems inserted in the leaf axils, var. pallidisquama. B-1: flower-bearing stems always both central and lateral, var. glaberrima. B-2: flower-bearing stems usually central only but sometimes both central and lateral, var. imbecillis. B-3: flower-bearing stems always central, var. stolonifera.