F. aestivalis (Retz.) Vahl var. squarrosa (Vahl) T. Koyama in J. Fac. Sc. Univ. Tokyo. Sect. 3, 8: 116. 1961; F. squarrosa Vahl subsp. squarrosa, Koyama in Fl. Taiwan 5: 246. 1979; Scirpus squarrosus Poir. in Lam., Encycl. Meth. Bot. Suppl. 5: 100. 1806 non L.; F. comata Nees, in Wight, Contrib. Bot. Ind.: 102. 1834; Clarke, Ill. Cyper.: Tab. 41. 1909. Haines & Lye, Sedges and rushes E. Afr.: figs. 152-153. 1983.

Annual, forming small tufts, up to 15 cm. Stem 0.1-0.2 mm diam., triangular or compressed, glabrous. Leaves c. equalling stem; sheaths to 2.5 cm, wide, green, one side prominently nerved, other side scarious, villous, mouth oblique; blades 0.2-0.4 mm wide, slightly involute, abaxial side pubescent, adaxial side glabrous. Inflorescence to 3 cm diam., of 4-20 spikes; the lowest bracts frequently twice as long as inflorescence, 0.1-0.3 mm wide, sparingly pubescent; branches triangular or compressed, smooth. Spikes mostly solitary, pedunculate, 3-6 mm, with 8 to 30 glumes, more or less angular, greenish to greenish brown; rachis castaneous, with narrow hyaline wings; glumes 2-3 mm, lanceolate to ovate, sparingly villous, with prominent, green mid-rib, arista to 1.5 mm, margins widely scarious. Stamens 1; filaments 1-1.5 mm; anthers narrowly oblong, connective tip prominent; style c. 0.5 mm, upper part slightly ciliate, stylopodium fringed with long, retrorse hairs; stigmas 2, c. 0.5 mm long, ciliate. Nut 0.6-0.7 x 0.5 mm, lenticular, smooth, yellowish brown.

Fl. Per.: October.

Holotype: "In America meridionali. Ex herbario antiquo, forte Loeflingii, matrici habui." (C-Vahl) microfiche 31: 10-11!.

Rice fields and similar moist places; 4000-7000 ft; Distribution: Tropical and temperate regions; S. Europe, Asia, Africa and S. America.