Stems 5–55 cm, coarsely glandular-pubescent below inflorescence, hairs usually cylindrical, 4–6 times longer than wide, or stems occasionally clavate and glands absent. Inflorescences spikelike, 3–24-flowered, forming cylindrical-ovate heads, sometimes interrupted or open, 1–4.5 cm; bracteoles often glandular. Flowers: tepals 3–5 mm; stamens 3–4.2 mm; styles 0.7–1.5 mm; pedicel 2–12 mm. Capsules 4–7.5 mm. Seeds 3–4 times longer than wide; appendages usually 2, one at each end, one often highly contorted, to 4 times longer than seed, the other short; coat not strongly inflated. 2n = 30.
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