Spanish botanists from Pablo de Olavide University have discovered a new plant species in the La Mancha region of south-central Spain. The species, named Carex quixotiana, belongs to sedges of the genus Carex and is a member of the papyrus family (Cyperaceae). The plant's discovery is significant because the region is well-known for classic literary fans, who may recognize the name as the main setting in Miguel de Cervantes' masterpiece "Don Quixote."
Taxonomy of Carex quixotiana
The genus Carex is a diverse and widely distributed group of herbs that are difficult to classify. Carex quixotiana has previously evaded expert botanists for decades due to its close resemblance to related species. Cryptic species are frequent in complex plant groups such as sedges, and integrative studies are needed to accurately describe biodiversity patterns. The authors of the paper conducted a preliminary genetic study, which revealed something odd about the specimens. They then set off on exhaustive field collecting campaigns across La Mancha to confirm that they were looking at a species previously unknown to science.
Distribution and Conservation Status
The newly discovered species is only known from 16 populations in the mountain ranges surrounding La Mancha, specifically Sierra Madrona and Montes de Toledo. Carex quixotiana prefers habitats with high water availability, such as small streams, wet meadows, and riverside forests. Further investigation is required to determine the species' conservation status and the number of mature individuals in the wild. The authors suggest that the species is an Iberian endemic with a relatively small number of populations and distribution range, which would benefit from legal protection and inclusion in in-situ/ex-situ conservation programs.
The Importance of Taxonomy in Biodiversity Preservation
The scientists point to their results as yet another proof of how much there is still to learn about Earth's biodiversity, even when it comes to supposedly well-known organisms and countries. The "Flora Iberica," which covers Spain and Portugal, has only recently been finalized. In the present biodiversity crisis scenario, it is critical not to neglect basic scientific disciplines like taxonomy, as cataloging biodiversity is a fundamental step towards its preservation and sustainable management.
Carmen BenÃtez-BenÃtez et al, Carex quixotiana (Cyperaceae), a new Iberian endemic from Don Quixote's land (La Mancha, S Spain), PhytoKeys (2023). DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.221.99234