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Which plants commonly dominate Northern Hemisphere peatlands?
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Cyperaceae
Spikes of sedge (Carex pendula).
In the Northern Hemisphere, the vast areas of peatlands are frequently dominated by plants from the Cyperaceae family, specifically species of Carex, Eriophorum, and Trichophorum.1
While peat moss (Sphagnum) is a primary constituent in the formation of many bogs, these sedge genera are critical components of the vegetation that characterizes these ecosystems. Protecting these peatlands is an ethical imperative, as they serve as vital carbon sinks that play a significant role in mitigating global warming.123