Mastersiella purpurea (Pillans) H.P.Linder

Plants tufted in neat erect tussocks, 0.5-1.5 m high. Culms branching or much branched, round. Leaf sheaths persistent, closely convolute. Male inflorescences with 2-10 spikelets, compound; spathes caducous, shorter than or as high as spikelets, spikelets spreading to somewhat reflexed. Female inflorescences with 2-10 spikelets; spathes persistent, shorter than or as long as spikelets, cartilaginous; tepals membranous and glabrous, as high as nut and wrapped around it, inner tepals linear or oblong. Flowering time Feb.-May. Fruit an indehiscent nut, nut cap and wall smooth.