Technical Abstract: Until recently, identification of sedges in the genus Kobresia was dependent on morphological characteristics that were very difficult to distinguish. This research project showed that DNA genotyping and DNA sequencing techniques can be used to identify and distinguish Kobresia sedge plants collected from remote regions of the Tibetan plateau. The DNA sequences of Kobresia from the Tibetan plateau were similar, but not identical to DNA sequences from other Kobresia and sedges from different regions of the world. The DNA genotyping techniques also showed that species found in similar habitats or having similar adaptations showed greater genetic similarity. These results highlight the importance of using biotechnology to help identify and catalogue plant germplasm resources from diverse regions of the World.