Cannomois nitida Pillans

Plants tufted (tussocks often wider than high, often as cushions), 0.3-0.7 m high; rhizome short, culms hollow. Culms unbranched, hollow, smooth or finely rugulose, green. Leaf sheaths closely convolute, apical margins coriaceous, hyaline shoulders absent, apex acute or obtuse. Male inflorescences simple with 2-20 spikelets per culm; spathes caducous, taller than spikelets; bracts 4-10 mm long with a distinct awn. Female inflorescences with 1 spikelet per culm; spathes shorter or as long as spikelets, persistent, cartilaginous; bracts bony, aristate, taller than flowers, erect or reflexed. Ovary unilocular; styles 2, plumose, white, bases free. Flowering time Sept. Fruit an indehiscent nut.