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Perigynium

Structure that encloses the ovary in Carex

Structure that encloses the ovary in Carex

In botany, a perigynium (plural: perigynia), also referred to as a utricle, typically refers to a sac that surrounds the achene of plants in the genus Carex (Cyperaceae). The perigynium is a modified prophyll, also known as a glume, which is tissue of leaf origin that encloses the dry, one-seeded achene.

In liverworts, "perigynium" refers to a tube-shaped structure that encases the archegonium and the developing sporophyte.

The location, size, shape, hairiness, color, and other aspects of the perigynium are important structures for distinguishing Carex species. They are often subtended by a scale, which may also aid in identification.

Dispersal

Features of the perigynium may aid in seed dispersal, such as a surface that clings to fur or skin or a shape that enables dispersion via wind or water. Seed dispersal by animals such as ants (myrmechory) has been recorded, as some species of sedges have developed elaiosomes at the base of the perigynia. Ants carry the perigynium back to the nest, use the elaiosome for food, and the seed germinates away from the parent plant.

|Carex buxbaumii sl27.jpg|Carex buxbaumii (green perigynia in center and on right, with dark brown scales) |Carex melanostachya sl47.jpg|Carex melanostachya (scale on left, perigynium on right) |Carex michelii sl27.jpg|Carex michelii (scale on left, perigynium on right) |Carex hirta sl23.jpg|Carex hirta perigynia

Perigynium vs. utricule

The terms perigynium and utricle have been widely used interchangeably. In North America, the term perigynium is preferred, while utricle is more commonly used in Europe. After the merging of Kobresia under Carex, a terminological clarification was desired, as the open prophyll of Kobresia could not be assimilated to the concept of utricle, which etymologically implies closure. The authors of a 2016 paper recommended using perigynium to refer generically to the flower prophyll of Carex sensu lato (including former Kobresia), but calling it utricle when it has its margins fused so it is entirely closed (as in the vast majority of Carex species).

References

References

  1. (29 March 2018). "Patterns of Reproductive and Seed Dispersal and Ecological Significance of the Clonal Spring Ephemeroid Plant Carex physodes in the Gurbantuggut Desert". Planta Daninha.
  2. Carter, R. 1993. Animal Dispersal of the North American Sedge, ''Cyperus plukenetii'' (Cyperaceae). American Midland Naturalist, Vol. 129, No. 2. pp. 352-356.
  3. (2017). "Flora of the Chicago Region: A Floristic and Ecological Synthesis". Indiana Academy of Sciences.
  4. Handel, S.N. 1976. Dispersal ecology of ''Carex pedunculata'' (Cyperaceae), a new North American myrmechore. Amer. J. Bot. 63 (8): 1071-1079.
  5. (2001). "Plant Identification Terminology: An Illustrated Glossary". Spring Lake Publishing.
  6. (1 September 2016). "Clarification of the Use of the Terms Perigynium and Utricle in ''Carex'' L. (Cyperaceae)". Systematic Botany.
  7. "''Carex''".
  8. "A Grammatical Dictionary of Botanical Latin".
  9. (1999). "Sedges: ''Carex''". [[Southern Illinois University Press]].
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