Sedges: Carex (The Illustrated Flora of Illinois) - Hardcover

Mohlenbrock, Robert H.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0809320746 ISBN 13: 9780809320745

Publisher: Southern Illinois University Press, 1999

Synopsis

Sedges: Carex is the fourteenth volume of the Illustrated Flora of Illinois series and the sixth and last volume devoted to monocots, or plants that have a single seed-leaf, or cotyledon, upon germination. For each of the 159 species of Carex in Illinois, there is a full illustration showing the habit of the plant and close-ups of various vegetative and reproductive structures that are crucial for the identification of the individual species. There is also a complete description of each species as well as a discussion of the nomenclature and habitats. Range maps show the county distribution of each species in Illinois. A detailed key is provided for identification of the species.

Unique in several respects, Carex is by far the most numerous genus of plants in Illinois. Because of the vast number of species, the similarity of many of the species, and the relatively small size of the critical reproductive structures, the members of this genus are extremely confusing to identify. This book, with its detailed descriptions, key, and precise illustrations, should aid the interested person in the identification of these plants.

Since more than three-fourths of the species of Carex in Illinois are inhabitants of wetlands, an understanding of the genus is critical for those working in wetlands. Amateur and professional botanists will find the information extremely valuable, as well as environmental and conservation groups, garden clubs, farm bureaus, home extension groups, scout organizations, and school libraries. Persons working in natural areas programs and in rare and endangered species programs and those working on environmental impact assessments and wildlife management projects will also find the information pertinent.

 

About this title

About the Author

Robert H. Mohlenbrock taught botany at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale for thirty-four years, obtaining the title of Distinguished Professor. After his retirement in 1990, he joined Biotic Consultants, Inc., as a senior scientist. Since 1984 he has been a monthly columnist for Natural History magazine. Among his thirty-seven books are Macmillan's Field Guide to North American Wildflowers and Field Guide to the U.S. National Forests.

Paul Nelson is the director of operations of the Resource Management Program, Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Review

 “The Illustrated Flora of Illinois is a major contribution to our understanding of the plant life of the state in that it provides keys, descriptions, and illustrations of Carex, a taxonomically difficult group. Beginning in 1967, Robert Mohlenbrock has provided a consistent high-quality product in this series. The author’s knowledge of sedges is superb. . . . The illustrations are exceptionally well drawn and uniform throughout the text. The consistent illustration of the critical features of each species (i.e., habit, pistillate scale, perigynium, and achene) makes comparison and identification of species very easy. This is very important in a group such as the sedges in which species determinations are based on minute characteristics not easily described.”—Richard Wunderlin, author of Guide to the Vascular Flora of Central Florida

Edition details

• Publisher: Southern Illinois University Press
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0809320746
• ISBN 13: 9780809320745
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 352
• Illustrator: Nelson Paul W.