Gymnoschoenus Nees

2 species endemic Aust.; NSW, Vic., Tas., S.A., WA

Gymnoschoenus sphaerocephalus (R.Br.) Hook.f.

Perennial forming large dense tufts. Culms subterete or compressed, often 1 m or more high. Leaves linear, up to 50 cm long, 1–2 mm wide, rigid, flat or concave, with a dark brown bearded sheath. Spikelets numerous, with 1 perfect flower and a male one below it, clustered in compact solitary globular terminal spikes c. 15 mm diam., with 3 broad bracts at the base which are usually only half as long as the spike. Glumes 7–8, obscurely distichous, ovate to orbicular; the lowest few empty. Perianth bristles 3, stiff. Stamens 3. Style 3-fid with broad lobes. Nut obovoid, surmounted when young by the ± persistent stylar base. Widespread. Sandy soils. Swamps in heath. Button Grass