Cyperus L.
Culms distinctly 3-angular Cyperus
Spikelets arranged spicately on the rhachis of the ultimate branches of the inflorescence in the form of very short or ± elongated spikes. Rhachilla of spikelet bordered by hyaline wings, but these are sometimes deciduous
Flowers falling from spikelet leaving persistent rhachilla; glumes usually falling away individually at maturity
Spikelet usually falling away as unit at maturity leaving the two empty glumes and a knob or protuberance on the rhachis; glumes usually persistent