Schoenus L.

Perianth bristles or scales absent

Leaves with very small laminas or reduced to sheaths

Inflorescence capitate; spikelets in a compact terminal cluster. Culms slender but rigid, c. 1 mm wide, c. 30 cm high

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Leaf sheaths bearded at the orifice with long hairs. At least lowest glumes bearded at the margins, black to brown; 4–7 lowest ones empty. Spikelet with 2 perfect flowers. Widespread. Sandy soils and laterite. Heath and DSF Schoenus ericetorum

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Leaf sheaths glabrous at the orifice. Glumes ciliate but scarcely bearded at the margins; 3–4 lowest ones empty. Spikelet with 2 perfect flowers. Widespread. Sandy soils and laterite. Heath and DSF Schoenus imberbis