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Herbs & Plants

Carex arenaria

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Botanical Name : Carex arenaria
Family: Cyperaceae
Genus: Carex
Subgenus:C. subg. Vignea
Section:C. sect. Ammoglochin
Species:C. arenaria
Kingdom:Plantae
Order: Poales

Synonyms: C. spadicea.

Common Names: Sand sedge

Habitat :Carex arenaria is native to Coastal areas of Europe, including Britain, the Black Sea, Siberia and N. America. It grows on sandy sea shores, especially on fixed dunes and wind-blown sand.

Description:
Carex arenaria is a perennial plant, growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 2 m (6ft) at a fast rate.
It is in flower from Jun to July, and the seeds ripen from Jul to August. The flowers are monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and are pollinated by Wind.Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure...CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

Cultivation:
Best grown in a sandy soil in a sunny position. Tolerates maritime exposure. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.

Propagation:
Seed – sow in situ in the spring in a moist soil in light shade. If seed is in short supply it can be sown in a cold frame and be planted out in the summer. The seed usually germinates in 2 – 6 weeks at 15°c. Division in spring. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer or following spring.

Edible Uses: ….Root – cooked. Seed. No further details are given, but the seed is small and fiddly to use.
Medicinal Uses:

Antiflatulent; Antirheumatic; Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Hypoglycaemic; TB.

The root is diaphoretic and diuretic. An infusion has been used in the treatment of bronchitis and catarrhs, abdominal and stomach disorders, liver complaints, arthritis and rheumatism and skin conditions such as eczema and pruritus. It has been used as a substitute for the tropical plant sarsaparilla. The root is harvested in the spring and dried for later use.

The rootstock of the sand sedge is also referred to as German sarsaparilla because it has a similar effect to the Central American smilax derived from Radix Sarsparillae. It was used as a diuretic as well as a blood purifier for bronchitis, gout and rheumatism. An infusion has been used in the treatment of abdominal and stomach disorders, liver complaints, and skin conditions such as eczema and pruritus.

Other Uses:…Soil stabilization…..The long creeping rootstock is valuable for binding sandy soils

Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carex_arenaria
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Carex+arenaria
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_RST.htm

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