Compilation
Cyperus brunneofibrosus

Densely tussocky perennial with a short woody rhizome with many stem bases densely covered by numerous old leaf-sheaths splitting up into dense “socks” of brownish fibres; roots many, greyish, up to 0.5 mm in diam.; stems 5–15 cm long and 0.5–0.8 mm thick, angular to terete, glabrous. Leaves 5–8 from within the fibrous “socks”, and usually 1 from the lower part of the stem with light reddish brown, membranous sheath; blades to c. 10 cm long and 1–2 mm wide, flat, densely short-hairy on margin and midrib; lower surface with a slightly keeled midrib, the upper with a slightly sunken central part and several ± distinct lateral nerves. Inflorescence a terminal hemispheric head 5–10 mm in diam. consisting of numerous crowded sessile spikes; involucral bracts to 5 cm long and 2 mm wide, spreading or reflexed, leaf-like and densely short-hairy on margin and midrib. Spikelets 3–4 x 1–2 mm, ovate, brownish (at least as dry), 1–2(–3)-flowered. Glumes 3–4 mm long, ovate, as dry cinnamon-tinged but perhaps white when fresh; midrib distinct near the apex only, slightly excurrent into a 0.1–0.2 mm long straight or recurved mucro of the same colour as the glume or slightly paler; lateral nerves very indistinct. Stamens usually 3. Style with 2 branches. Nutlet c. 1 x 0.5 mm, elliptic, lenticular, reddish-brown, minutely papillose.