492.000 Rhynchospora Vahl

Perennial (in ours) leafy herbs. Rhizome short and creeping or rudimentary. Leaves numerous, usually stiff with minute spine-like teeth on the margin, either densely crowded at the base, or well spaced along the stem. Ligule 0 or rudimentary. Inflorescence usually a panicle, frequently the branches ending in corymbs. Spikelets with spirally arranged glumes; usually the lowest 3-5 glumes empty, the upper bisexual and the uppermost male only. Perianth 0 (candida) or consisting of 6 bristles with minute spine-like teeth directed towards apex. Stamens 2-3. Stigmas 2 or style subentire. Nutlet transversely wavy or smooth; base of style persistent as a conic or flattened cap.

Comment: The exact occurrence of species in this genus is as yet unknown and the list is incomplete. Some of the species are listed solely on the basis of Malawi being cited in the distribution of the species in Flora of Tropical East Africa.

Worldwide: c. 250 species, ± cosmopolitan, but especially tropical and warm areas of S America

Malawi: 2 taxa.