Stenotaphrum secundatum

Rhizomatous and stoloniferous perennial, usually prostrate but occasionally weakly ascending. Culms to 40 cm high. Leaves glabrous; blade flat or broadly channelled, obtuse, to 18 cm long and 12 mm wide; sheath strongly compressed; ligule 0.5–1 mm long. Inflorescence a one-sided spike-like panicle, 5–10 cm long; spikelets sub-sessile, in four rows, those of the inner 2 rows embedded in the flattened axis and the outer rows on short (to c. 6 mm), closely appressed branches terminating in an awn-like tip. Spikelets lanceolate, 4–5 mm long; lower glume truncate, 1–2 mm long, membranous; upper glume 9-nerved, as long as spikelet, papery; lower floret staminate, its lemma equal to upper glume but firmer, palea subequal to lemma; upper floret resembling lower but bisexual. Flowers Dec.–Feb.