The Taxonomy of Carex sect. Hymenochlaenae (Cyperaceae) in Mexico and Central America

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Abstract
Carex (Cyperaceae) sect. Hymenochlaenae comprises 13 Mexican and Central American species. The section is defined broadly to include species formerly placed in sects. Longirostres, Sylvaticae, and "Viridiflorae". Three new species are described, C. brunnipes, C. flexirostris, and C. ixtapalucensis. The names C. pertenuis and C. viridis are lectotypified and lectotypes are chosen for sects. Hymenochlaenae and Longirostres. Section Hymenochlaenae is distinguished from all others by: perigynia usually more or less trigonous or even orbicular in cross section, never strongly flattened; perigynium apices entire, erose, or obscurely bidentulate; several to many elongate-cylindric spikes usually pendulous on filiform, flexuous peduncles; and leaf-like, sheathing inflorescence bracts. The section is distributed from northeastern Mexico to western Guatemala. Habitats are moist montane forest, wet meadows, and stream banks at 1500-3700 m.