A new record of <i>Carex foraminata</i> (Cyperaceae) in Korean flora

Abstract

We report a new distribution of <i>Carex foraminata</i> 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. <i>Carex foraminata</i> is similar to the related taxa <i>C. brevispicula</i> G. H. Nam & G. Y. Chung, <i>C. chungii</i> Z. P. Wang, and <i>C. genkaiensis</i> Ohwi in that its achenes are constricted in the middle part. However, <i>C. foraminata</i> is distinguished from <i>C. brevispicula</i> and <i>C. chungii</i> by its pistillate scale apexes, which are acute or shortly awned and by its achene apexes, which are shortly cylindrical; <i>C. foraminata</i> is distinguished from <i>C. genkaiensis</i> by its pistillate scale and achene shape. A precise description, illustration, photographs, and a key to related taxa are provided.