Leptocarpus disjunctus Masters, J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 17: 344. 1879; L. sanaensis Masamune.

Herbs 40--70(--100) cm tall, dioecious or polygamous. Rhizome creeping, woody, younger parts densely woolly. Stem 1.5--3 mm in diam., terete, stiff. Sheaths closely appressed to stem, brownish, 1--1.5 cm, leathery, veins longitudinal, primary one straight, apically protruding for 2--5 mm, margin narrow, scarious, apex acute-acuminate. Inflorescences laxly paniculate; spikelets fascicled. Male flowers: bracteoles nar-rowly ovate, 2--2.5 × ca. 1 mm; perianth segments 4--6, 2 outer ones opposite each other, dark brown, ± boat-shaped, folded, 1.7--2 mm, 2--4 inner ones lighter brown, narrowly elliptic, slightly shorter than outer ones; stamens 3; filaments ca. 1.5 mm; anthers 0.7--1 mm, apex brownish, apiculate. Female flowers: segments 6--8, elliptic, 1--1.5 mm, narrowed toward base, apex acute; ovary ellipsoid, 3-angled; style short; stigmas usually 3. Fruit ellipsoid, ca. 1 mm. Seeds ca. 0.5 mm. Fl. Apr--Jul, fr. May--Aug.

The stems are used for weaving mats.

Wet places in forests, sandy places especially along seashores; near sea level to 1400 m. Guangxi, Hainan [Cambodia, Laos, W Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam].