Carex distachya (Cyperaceae) with both subspecies in Europe

Carex distachya Desf. is a circum-Mediterranean species. Since 1985 two varieties have been distinguished, C. distachya var. distachya and C. distachya var. phyllostachioidea Ö.Nilsson. The former is widespread, while the latter is considered to be restricted to West Türkiye and the East Aegean Islands, but our research has revealed that C. distachya var. phyllostachioidea is much more widespread in the south-east of Europe, in Croatia, Bulgaria, Montenegro, and mainland Greece. It seems to have been overlooked in these countries so far. As C. distachya var. phyllostachioidea occurs in the East Mediterranean region, we have therefore raised this taxon to subspecies level. Our research has also shown that the differences between the two subspecies are less clear than initially suggested. An upgraded key is therefore added.