Orono sedge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Orono sedge |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| (unranked): | |
| (unranked): | |
| (unranked): | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | |
| Section: |
C. sect. Ovales
|
| Species: |
C. oronensis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Carex oronensis Fernald
|
|
The Orono sedge (scientific name: Carex oronensis) is a special type of sedge plant. It's found only in Maine, a state in the United States. This makes it an endemic species, meaning it naturally grows nowhere else in the world. It mainly lives in the Penobscot River Valley area. The Orono sedge is very unique because it's the only plant that grows naturally only in Maine. It was first discovered in Orono.
Contents
What Does the Orono Sedge Look Like?
The Orono sedge grows in groups of stems. These stems can reach up to one meter (about 3 feet) tall. Each stem usually has three or four long, thin leaves. These leaves can be 18 to 23 centimeters (about 7 to 9 inches) long.
Flowers and Reproduction
The plant has a copper-colored group of flowers called an inflorescence. This flower cluster is a few centimeters long. It holds several small spikes of flowers. The Orono sedge flowers during June and July.
Where Does the Orono Sedge Live?
This plant likes to grow in wet areas, like wetlands. But it can also be found in places that are a bit drier. You might often see it in areas where the ground has been disturbed. For example, it can grow well in hay fields.
Growing Conditions
Orono sedge plants that grow in sunny, open spots tend to be larger. Plants growing in shady areas stay smaller. Many other plants grow near the Orono sedge. These include other types of Carex sedges. Some common plants found with it are Rumex acetosella, Leucanthemum vulgare, and Achillea millefolium. You might also see different kinds of rushes and goldenrods.
Where Can You Find the Orono Sedge?
The Orono sedge is found in six counties in Maine. These counties are Aroostook, Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, and Waldo.
How Many Orono Sedges Are There?
Scientists know about 58 different groups, or populations, of Orono sedge. Most of these groups are quite small. Only a few populations have more than 60 individual plants.
Protecting the Orono Sedge
One of the biggest dangers to the Orono sedge is losing its habitat. This means the places where it naturally grows are being changed or destroyed. Most of the known populations of this special plant are on land owned by private people. This makes protecting them a bit more challenging.
