Carex hordeistichos Vill.


Distribution
Carex hordeistichos is a southern European plant having a very disjunctive
range. In Germany only isolated outposts are to be observed. The plant is
growing in moist meadows or meadows having changing water levels.
Sometimes places are influenced by salt. Our plants are from Kachstedt
close to Artern (Thuringia).

Biology and growth
The plants are perennial, evergreen and make up very dense lawns up to 50
cm in diameter. The seed set of cultivated plants is good, but they germinate
not well.

Conservation
Propagation is performed by dividing the older plants or by sowing. We use
garden soil that is enriched with loam and sand. The plants are grown in pots
with a diameter of 10 cm. The plants are watered about twice as much as
other plants of the garden. The winter is persisted without problems.

Maintenance of genetic diversity
The species is mainly vegetative propagated. Usually, on half of the older
plant is maintained in the conservation section, the rest is discarded or used
for plantings for display. Plantings are in the Botanical Garden and in a
garden designed for the maintenance of rare species at the Kapenmühle
(Biosphärenreservat Mittlere Elbe).

Literature
Meusel, H., Jäger, E., Weinert, E. (1965): Vergleichende Chorologie der
zentraleuropäischen Flora. Vol. 1. Fischer, Jena (Verbreitungskarte).

Text (c) Botanischer Garten Halle: M. H. Hoffmann, F. Ebel, H.-G.
Fuhrmann, 2006
 
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