Genus VI Eleocharis, R. Brown, p. 139

Genus VI Eleocharis, R Brown

(Greek, eleos, (a marsh) and chairo (to delight in))

Spike single, terminating the naked culm, many-
flowered; scales imbricated all round, rarely 2 or 3-ranked;
perianth of 3 to 12 (mostly 6) bristles, usually rough, or barbed downwards; stamens 3; styles 2 or 3-cleft; the base bulbous
and persistent as a tubercle, jointed with the apex of
the achenium, which is either lenticular or
obtusely triangular. -- Culms cespitose simple, leafeless, sheathless
at the base, sometimes sterile; rhizomas, or underground
stems matted, or creeping.