Somewhat sturdy erect perennial of brackish or saline wet habitats with short, stout rhizome; scapes 20-50 (—80) cm. long, stout, often somewhat curved above Leaves linear-subulate, thickish, about half as long as the scapes, 3-4 (—6) mm. wide, not furrowed, semiterete but slightly flattened towards the apex Racemes 20-40 cm. long, scarcely elongating in fruit. Flowers greenish, 2-3 mm. across; pedicel 1-2 mm. long, slightly elongating after flowering, shorter than the fruit, ascending. Perianth segments 2-2.5 mm. long, and nearly as broad, ovate—elliptic with somewhat rounded apex. Carpels (3—) 6, all fertile. Fruit 3-4 mm. long, 2 mm. broad, oblong-ovoid, with angular edges or hexagonal margin, not appressed to the axis; mericarps separating completely on dehiscence, slightly grooved on the back, roundish at the base, each 1-seeded; seed about as long as the carpel.

Fl. Per. May-September.

Type: “Habitat in Europae maritimis”, Herb. Linn. No. 466/2 (LINN).

Distribution: Europe, Asia, N. Africa and N. America.

The Sea Arrow-grass seems to be less common in our area. It prefers brackish or saline wet habitats in the northern mountainous regions of W. Pakistan. A fairly good forage plant and yields sodium carbonates from its ashes which is used in soap making.