Caustis R.Br.

7 species endemic Aust.; all states and territories except NT

Rhizomatous perennials. Culms terete, striate. Leaves reduced to sheathing scales on the culms and at their bases. Spikelets with 1 bisexual or female flower, often with a male one below it. Glumes 3–6, spirally imbricate; outer ones shorter and empty. Perianth absent. Stamens 3–6. Style slender, 3-fid, with a thick hard persistent base. Nut obovoid or oblong (Fig. 46).