Scirpus falcatus Vahl, Enum. Pl. 2: 275. 1805; F. junciformis (Nees) Kunth, Enum. Pl.: 239. 1837; C.B.Clarke in Hook.f., l.c. 647; Trichelostylis junciformis Nees in Wight, Contrib. Bot. Ind.: 106. 1834; K.M. Matthew, Fl. Tamilnadu Carnatic 4: Pl. 666. 1988.

Perennial, 10-30 cm. Rhizome short, horizontal, concealed by remains of old leaf basis. Stem 0.5-1.3 mm diam., terete or obtusely triangular, glabrous. Leaves 1/5-1/3 of stem length; sheaths 10-25 mm, glabrous, yellow-brown, one side prominently nerved, mouth concave; blades 1-2 mm wide, flat or channelled, often falcate, grey-green, margins scabrous, apex flat, short, obtuse, acuminate. Inflorescence 25-40(-60) mm, an anthelodium of 20-40 spikes; bracts inconspicuous, to 20 mm; primary branches 5-8, to 40 mm; secondary branches mostly present, up to 17 mm, each ending with group of (1-)2-3(-4) sessile spikes; tertiary branches rare. Spikes 4.5-5.5 x c. 2.5 mm, ovoid or ellipsoid, of c. 10 glumes; rachis with 0.5-0.6 mm long remains of rounded, dark glume bases; glumes 2-2.6 mm, triangular, acute or obtuse, light brown, glossy, with wide scarious margins. Stamens 3, anthers c. 1.5 mm; style c. 1 mm, triangular; stigmas 3. Nut c. 1 x 0.8 mm, obovoid, obtusely trigonous to globular, obscurely reticulate, tuberculate, glossy.

Fl. Per.: July.

Type: "Habitat in India orientali. König." (C-Vahl), microfiche 68: 17-20!.

Grassy hillsides; Distribution: Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, SE Asia, rare in Malaysia; Madagascar.