Cyperaceae
Leaf sheath closed or rarely open and then the perianth reduced to bristles or minute scales Cyperaceae
Flowers unisexual, female flowers enclosed in a flask-shaped utricle (Fig. 46 e,g) or in separate spikelets
Spikes with long pedicel, usually pendulous in the fruiting stage. Utricle never corky but with a prominent beak 2 mm long or longer
Spikes solitary at nodes, 2–6 per culm, lanceolate-oblong, 3–6 cm long, 8–10 mm wide. Pseudoglumes aristate. Utricle 1–2 mm diam., prominently nerved with strong lateral nerves; beak patent when mature, 2–3 mm long, deeply notched. Leaves c. 30 cm long, up to 6 mm wide. Tufted perennial up to 1 m high. Widespread. Swamps and creek banks Carex fascicularis
Spikes clustered at nodes, 6–20 per culm