Scirpus dichotomus L., Sp. Pl. 1: 50. 1753; Kral, Sida 4: Pl. 37a (1971). U. Scholz, in H. Scholz & U. Scholz, Fl. descr. Graminées & Cypéracées Togo: fig. 11. 1988.

Greyish green, caespitose perennial, 30-60 cm. Stem 0.7-1.2 mm diam., deeply grooved, glabrous. Leaves to c. half of stem length; sheaths open, scarious side slightly villose, mouth margin ciliate; ligule a dense fringe of hairs; blades 1-3 mm wide, flat, sometimes slightly incurved, midrib not prominent, margins scabrous, esp. towards apex. Inflorescence 2-6 cm diam., with 6-50, mostly solitary, occasionally geminate spikes; lowest bract leaf-like, as long as or longer than inflorescence. Spikes 4.5-8 x 2.5-3.5 mm, ovoid, terete, acute, light brown to brown; glumes coriaceous, widely ovate, occasionally slightly keeled, apiculate, apical parts glabrous, brown; rachis castaneous, narrowly winged. Stamens 1; filaments more than 2 mm long, c. 0.2 mm wide, flat, colourless; anthers c. 0.8 mm, connective tip mucronate; style c. 1 x 0.2 mm, deciduous, flat, brown, margins colourless, ciliate; stigmas 2, c. 0.5 mm, flat, basal parts ciliate. Nut 1-1.2 x c. 0.8 mm, lenticular, trabeculate, yellowish, sometimes whitish.

Fl. Per.: August-October.

Type: "Habitat in India.".

Grasslands along rivers, also as a weed; Distribution: Weed probably in all tropical and subtropical areas.

The name is applied here in corrected sense (Fischer, Notes on the Flora of Madras: Part X, Kew Bull.: 149. 1935, see following species). F. dichotoma is restricted to monsoon areas.