Thryocephalon nemorale J.R. Forster et G. Forster, Char. gen. pl.: 129, tab. 65. 1776; Kük., in Engler, Pflanzenr. IV.20, 101: figs. 1, a; 64, c-d. 1936; Haines & Lye, Sedges and Rushes E Afr.: fig. 497. 1983.

Perennial, 20-40 cm. Rhizome horizontal, c. 1.5 mm diam., aerial stems at every second node. Stem 1-1.5 mm diam., sharply trigonous, smooth. Leaves from c. half of length to equalling stem; sheaths up to 70 mm, pale green or grey, with reddish nerves, mouth margin almost straight; blades up to more than 20 cm, 2-4 mm wide, green or greyish green, flat or slightly keeled, margins smooth or scabrous, apex short, flat or trigonous, scabrous. Inflorescence a compact, head-like, globose or ellipsoid cluster of more than 100 spikes, 7-10 mm, white or brownish; 3-4 bracts foliose, spreading, up to 20 cm; spikes spirally arranged, 2.5-3(-3.3) x c. 1.5 mm, each on a minute pedicel, the two opposite glumes sharply keeled, folded, acuminate, midrib winged, scabrous, sides brown-dotted, scarious, with 4-5 nerves. Stamens 3. Nut c. 1.3 mm, ovoid, biconvex, brown, finely reticulate, glossy.

Fl. Per.: (March -) June - October.

Type: Herb. Forster (BM) photocopy!.

Shaded meadows, rock crevices, road sides; Distribution: Tropical Africa S of Sahara, Madagascar, Pakistan, India, China to Japan, S to Malaysia; C and S America.

Reported from Pakistan (Hazara, Attock, Lahore) and Kashmir (Poonch) by R. R. Stewart (l.c.) as Cyperus kyllinga Endl.