Much-branched, erect, annual or perennial herbs. Leaves alternate, sometimes opposite, linear with revolute margins and hence semi-terete. Inflorescence an elongate, bracteate spike consisting of distant partial inflorescences of a single fertile flower (sometimes further fertile flowers) subtended by 2 modified sterile flowers. Perianth segments narrow, aristate. Stamens 5; pseudostaminodes 0. Ovary with 1 ovule. Fruit a capsule. Worldwide: 2 species in southern Africa Zimbabwe: 2 taxa. |
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