A new record of Carex foraminata (Cyperaceae) in Korean flora

Abstract

We report a new distribution of Carex foraminata C. B. Clarke on the Korean Peninsula. This species was first reported in China and is distributed in Jiangxi and Zhejiang Provinces. We found this species on Hongdo Island in Heuksan-myeon, Shinan-gun, Jeollanam- do in Korea. Carex foraminata is similar to the related taxa C. brevispicula G. H. Nam & G. Y. Chung, C. chungii Z. P. Wang, and C. genkaiensis Ohwi in that its achenes are constricted in the middle part. However, C. foraminata is distinguished from C. brevispicula and C. chungii by its pistillate scale apexes, which are acute or shortly awned and by its achene apexes, which are shortly cylindrical; C. foraminata is distinguished from C. genkaiensis by its pistillate scale and achene shape. A precise description, illustration, photographs, and a key to related taxa are provided.