Schoenus

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Schoenus (family Cyperaceae) A genus of perennial herbs with smooth stems, usually found in damp and marshy habitats. Most are tufted. The leaves are basal or restricted to the lower part of the stem and sheathing; the blades of the leaves are narrow, like those of grass. The flowers are small, inconspicuous, and bisexual, and arranged in 1–4-flowered spikelets held in a terminal panicle. The bract of the lowest spikelet encircles the whole base of the inflorescence. The perianth has up to 6 bristles, and there are 3 stamens and 3 styles. The fruit is a 3-sided nut. There are about 100 species, found mainly in Australia and New Zealand.