Fimbristylis Vahl
Glumes imbricate around rhachis Fimbristylis
Spikelets in umbels or clusters
Spikelets more than 6 mm long, c. 5 mm wide, brown. Stylar base without long spreading hairs. Stamens 3. Nut biconvex but much flattened. Leaves few; laminas up to 3 cm long, c. 1 mm wide. Perennial, usually more than 25 cm high. Coast. Saline or brackish swamps Fimbristylis ferruginea
Spikelets less than 6 mm long, 1–2 mm wide, pale brown. Stylar base with long hairs spreading or reflexed over the ovary. Stamen 1. Nut biconvex. Leaves numerous; laminas up to 8 cm long, less than 1 mm wide. Annual, usually less than 25 cm high. Coast. Moist places Fimbristylis velata