The Scarce Plants of Essex. Part 2.
Carex divisa
Carex elata All.
Tufted-sedge
This densely tufted, often tussock-forming, perennial sedge without spreading rhizomes, must rely on
seed to spread itself, which probably explains why it turns up occasionally in unexpected places. It
occurs in eutrophic, often base-rich fen, by fen drains, in recd swamps and by ponds lakes and rivers,
and seems able to withstand fluctuating water levels. Its U.K. distribution is somewhat uncertain, as it
has been over recorded in error for the tussock form of the closely related C. nigra, which tends to
develop in reed swamp and fen habitats, and voucher specimens are required before records will be
accepted. Only C. acuta, C. nigra and C. elata of our southern sedges have just 2 (as opposed to 3)
stigmas. Of the three, C. elata is unique in lacking far creeping rhizomes. It also differs from C. nigra
in having conspicuously reticulate fibrous basal leaf sheaths, the lowest bract shorter than its own
spike, no stomata on the upper leaf surface (mostly above in C. nigra), and its leaf margins rolling
outwards (as opposed to inwards in C. nigra) on drying (Sell & Murrell, 1996). Its main strongholds,
are in Cumberland, on Anglesey, and in the fen country of Cambs., Suffolk and Norfolk, with scattered
sites elsewhere north to Scotland. There have been extensive losses however, in Lincs, and Cambs. due
to fenland drainage. Post 1970 it has been seen in 146 hectads nationally with losses from 103.
Post 1930 records:
TQ(51)69 612,937 18 Thrift Wood, Brentwood, 40-50 tussocks in shallow, rather
stagnant water of gravel working pond, shaded by Grey Willow.
10 July 19H3. Tim Pyner (voucher by confirmed Clive Jenny,
Herbarium STDCM).
Essex Naturalist (New Series) 17 (2000)