Panarctic Flora

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3309113b Carex brunnescens subsp. vitilis (Fr.) Kalela

Distribution

Northern Fennoscandia: Scattered
Shrub Tundra: Rare
Bordering boreal or alpine areas: Frequent

GBIF

Geography: European (N): NOR RUS.

Notes: Subspecies vitilis is documented from the Arctic in Norway and on the Rybachi Peninsula in the Murman area, northwestern European Russia (e.g., Kalela 1965: map p. 196). Occurrence elsewhere is uncertain.

Egorova considered subsp. vitilis a shade modification only. Elven consider it a fairly well-defined taxon, often found together with or close to subsp. brunnescens and not necessarily in shade. It seems to have a restricted range and occurs specific (or rather subspecific), moist site types. The characters used for separation, mainly in the shape of perigynia (narrower, more tapering at both ends and with a distinct "foot"), are not adaptive. It is rather an (eco)geographic race in his opinion.