Vahl, Enum. Pl. 2:364.1806 Stout aquatic perennial, l-2 (2.5) m tall; culms terete. Leaves reduced to basal sheaths. Bracts subtending inflorescence leaflike,10-40 cm long, 0.5-2 cm wide, the margins and the underside of midrib scabrous; inflorescences large, compound; spikes elongate, lax, on spreading rays; spikelets 3-10 mm long, slender, cylindrical, 8-14flowered; scales straw-colored, green on keel. Achenes minute, l mm long, trigonous with 1 face concave, pale yellow or white. Croat 6168. Forming dense stands in a few places along the shore, especially in quiet coves. Flowers in the rainy season, with the fruits persisting into the dry season.