Eriophorum callitrix
| Arctic cottongrass | |
|---|---|
| File:Arctic cottongrass, Inuvik, NT.jpg | |
| Arctic cottongrass growing near Inuvik, Canada | |
| Scientific classification Edit this classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Cyperaceae |
| Genus: | Eriophorum |
| Species: | E. callitrix
|
| Binomial name | |
| Eriophorum callitrix | |
Eriophorum callitrix, commonly known as Arctic cotton, Arctic cottongrass, suputi, or pualunnguat in Inuktitut, is a perennial Arctic plant in the sedge family, Cyperaceae. It is one of the most widespread flowering plants in the northern hemisphere and tundra regions. Upon every stem grows a single round, white and wooly fruit. The seeds are covered in this cottony mass and usually disperse when the wind carries them away.
Description
[edit | edit source]Eriophorum callitrix has narrow, grass-like leaves.[3]
Taxonomy
[edit | edit source]Eriophorum callitrix was described and illustrated by the Russian botanist Carl Anton von Meyer in 1831.[1] In his description, Meyer attributed the name itself to the German botanist Adelbert von Chamisso.[4] The illustration shows a plant with a single spikelet (unispicate) and numerous basal leaves.[5] As of September 2025[update], Eriophorum callitrix Cham. ex C.A.Mey. is a widely accepted name.[6][7][8]
Distribution and habitat
[edit | edit source]Eriophorum callitrix has a northern circumpolar distribution with a gap in northern Europe. Its preferred habitats include wet meadows, tundra, and calcareous bogs.[3][9]
Ecology
[edit | edit source]Eriophorum callitrix is food for migrating snow geese, caribou and their calves.
Uses
[edit | edit source]The Inuit used the seed heads as wicks in seal oil lamps. Clumps were placed into babies' pants and then thrown away when soiled.
References
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- ^ Meyer (1831), p. 203.
- ^ Meyer (1831), t. 2.
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Bibliography
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External links
[edit | edit source]
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