Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Tracheophytes – Angiosperms – Monocots – Commelinids
- Order: Poales
- Family: Cyperaceae
- Genus: Carex L.
- Species: Carex regeliana Kük.
Authority
The species was formally described by the German botanist Georg Kükenthal (abbreviated “Kük.”) in 1900. The epithet regeliana honors the Russian‑German botanist Eduard August von Regel (1815–1892).
Description
Carex regeliana is a perennial herbaceous sedge forming tufts or small clumps. As with other members of the genus, it possesses narrow, grass‑like leaves and a triangular stems (culms). The inflorescences are composed of several spikes, typical of the section Vignea within Carex. Specific morphological details (such as the length of culms, number of perigynia per spike, or achene characteristics) are recorded in specialized floras but are not widely disseminated in general reference works.
Distribution and Habitat
The species is native to high‑altitude regions of Central Asia. Documented occurrences include:
- Western China (particularly the provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, and the Tibetan Autonomous Region)
- Adjacent mountainous areas of Nepal and northern India
It inhabits alpine and sub‑alpine meadows, moist rocky slopes, and stream‑side habitats, generally at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 4,200 m.
Ecology
Carex regeliana is adapted to cold, moist environments typical of the Himalayan and Tibetan plateau ecosystems. It contributes to the sedge‑dominated understory and can play a role in soil stabilization on steep slopes.
Conservation Status
There is no specific assessment for Carex regeliana in the IUCN Red List. Its occurrence in relatively remote high‑altitude habitats suggests that it is not currently subject to major anthropogenic threats, though localized pressures such as overgrazing or habitat alteration could impact populations.
References
- Kew Science – Plants of the World Online. “Carex regeliana Kük.” Accessed 2026. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:299893-1
- Flora of China Editorial Committee. “Carex.” Flora of China Vol. 23, 2000.
- International Plant Names Index (IPNI). “Carex regeliana Kük.”
Note: The above information reflects data available from recognized botanical databases and floras as of July 2026.
