569 
A new Australian species of Carex 
(Cyperaceae) and notes on two other species 
Karen L. Wilson 
Abstract 
Wilson, Karen L. (National Herbarium of New South Wales, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney NSW 
2000, Australia) 1996. A new Australian species of Carex (Cyperaceae) and notes on two other 
species. Telopea 6(4): 569-577. A new species Carex klaphakei is described from the Central 
Tablelands region of New South Wales. Two other species that occur in this State but were 
not included in the Flora of New South Wales are C. raleighii (a native species) and C. buxbaumii 
(introduced from Europe). Descriptions in the 'Flora' format are given for these two species, 
and the 'Flora' key to species is amended to include the extra species. 
Dedication 
I am pleased to contribute to this publication in honour of Dr Lawrie Johnson. It is 
apposite for several reasons. Firstly, he was one of the instigators of our institution's 
recent four-volume 'Flora of New South Wales'. Secondly, he has had a long-standing 
interest (among his many others) in the family Cyperaceae. Thirdly, I have been 
privileged to work with him on various projects and to benefit from his extensive 
botanical knowledge, always generously given. 
Introduction 
When the treatment of Cyperaceae for the 'Flora of New South Wales' (Wilson 1993) 
was being prepared, a species of Carex that was either a new introduction or an 
undescribed species had to be omitted because only immature specimens were 
available. Since then, more material has been collected by Mr V. Klaphake that 
confirms this to be an undescribed native species. 
The opportunity is also taken here to provide descriptions for Carex buxbaumii 
Wahlenb. and C. raleighii Nelmes in the format of 'Flora of New South Wales'. Both 
species were found to occur in this State too late to be included in the Flora treatment, 
although C, raleighii was included in the key to species. An amended 'Flora' key is 
given, to accommodate the extra species. Terminology for ligule and utricle beak 
morphology follows Jermy/ Chafer & David (1982). 
Carex klaphakei K.L. Wilson, sp. nov. 
Inter speciebus Caricis australiensis, combinatione sequente characterum distinguitur: 
stylus 2-fidus; rhizoma longa; inflorescentia parva; utriculus grandis rostro longe 
acuminato, nervosis numerosis abaxialiter instructus. 
Type: New South Wales: Central Tablelands: Blackheath, V. Klaphake 663, 10 Jan 1993; 
holo NSW; iso MEL, P. Figure 1. 
Perennial herb; rhizomes long, firm but not strongly woody; shoots at 2-6 cm intervals 
along rhizomes. Culms erect, terete or oval, 45-160 cm long, to 1.2 mm diam., smooth 
or faintly scaberulous. Leaves with reduced, flat blades to 7 cm long, c. 1.5 mm wide; 
ligule white- to brown-membranous, rounded, c. 0.3 mm wide. Inflorescence 0.8-1.5 cm 
