Eleocharis limosa Schult.

Perennial herb, tufted, 0.3-0.8 m high. Leaf sheaths conspicuous, red; blades absent. Culm scapose, 2-6 mm in diam. Inflorescence a single, terminal, dense, oblong or ± lanceolate spikelet. Subtending bract 1, glume-like. Glumes broadly oblong when flattened, 4-5 mm long, not keeled, central zone inconspicuously nervose, pale stramineous with reddish streaks or larger markings, margins membranous. Perianth 5 or 6 linear, retrorsely barbed, brown bristles, as long as nutlet + style base. Style branches 3. Flowering time (July) Oct.-Mar. Nutlet obovate, 1.5-1.8 mm long, biconvex (obscurely 3-angled), yellowish to brown, crowned by persistent, high triangular style base, surface minutely reticulate.