Perigynium

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Light green perigynia with dark brown scales (Carex buxbaumii)

In botany, a perigynium (plural: perigynia), also referred to as a utricle, typically refers to a sac that surrounds the

prophyll, also known as a glume, which is tissue of leaf origin that encloses the dry, one-seeded achene.[3]

In

liverworts, "perigynium" refers to a tube-shaped structure which encases the archegonium and the developing sporophyte.[4]

The location, size, shape, hairiness, color, and other aspects of the perigynium are important structures for distinguishing Carex species.[5] They are often subtended by a scale, which may also aid in identification.[5]

Dispersal

Features of the perigynium may aid in seed dispersal, such as a surface that clings to fur or skin

myrmechory) has been recorded, as some species of sedges have developed elaiosomes at the base of the perigynia. Ants carry the perigynium back to the nest, use the elaiosome for food, and the seed germinates away from the parent plant.[8]

Perigynium vs. utricule

The terms perigynium and utricle have been widely used interchangeably.

Kobresia), but calling it utricle when it has its margins fused so it is entirely closed (as in the vast majority of Carex species).[9]

References

  1. ISBN 0-9640221-6-8
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  2. ^ Wilhelm, Gerould; Rericha, Laura (2017). Flora of the Chicago Region: A Floristic and Ecological Synthesis. Indiana Academy of Sciences.
  3. ISBN 978-0-8093-2074-5
    .
  4. ^ "A Grammatical Dictionary of Botanical Latin". www.mobot.org. Retrieved 6 July 2019.
  5. ^ a b "Carex". Michigan Flora Online. Retrieved 6 July 2019.
  6. ^ Carter, R. 1993. Animal Dispersal of the North American Sedge, Cyperus plukenetii (Cyperaceae). American Midland Naturalist, Vol. 129, No. 2. pp. 352-356.
  7. doi:10.1590/s0100-83582018360100007
    .
  8. ^ Handel, S.N. 1976. Dispersal ecology of Carex pedunculata (Cyperaceae), a new North American myrmechore. Amer. J. Bot. 63 (8): 1071-1079.
  9. ^
    S2CID 89281001
    .
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