Long-bracted sedge

The long-bracted sedge (Latin: Carex extensa) is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Cyperaceae family. It is a highly specialized species that has evolved to thrive in coastal habitats, specifically in salt marshes and saline meadows, which makes it a plant of interest for reclamation of salty soils.

Native to the coastal regions of Europe and the Mediterranean, this sedge is naturally distributed in areas where water salinity fluctuates. Its ability to tolerate high levels of salts in the soil profile distinguishes it from most traditional agricultural crops that require freshwater irrigation and non-saline ground.

Botanically, it grows in dense tufts and typically reaches a height of 10 to 50 cm. Its leaves are stiff and narrow, often displaying a channelled surface. The inflorescence consists of spikes that are closely pressed to the stem, which helps protect the plant from harsh coastal winds and mechanical stress.

Regarding agrotechnical requirements, the long-bracted sedge demands little in terms of cultivation management. It prefers wet, saline substrates and is highly efficient in extracting nutrients from poor, salty soils. In agricultural practice, it is often considered a wild forage resource rather than a cultivated crop, though its potential for phytoremediation is being studied.

Economically, this species is utilized for soil stabilization along coastal areas and as a resilient forage crop for livestock grazing in saline environments. It provides essential ground cover that prevents erosion in areas that are frequently affected by tides and wind, making it an ecological asset in coastal agriculture.

• Excellent salt tolerance (halophytic properties).
• High resilience against physical trampling.
• Provides habitat for coastal fauna.
• Effective in erosion control on saline shorelines.