Leptaspis

Perennial rhizomatous herbs with large broad dark green leaves, with typical slanting venation, borne on a twisted (180 degrees) pseudopetiole. Inflorescence a loose panicle with female spiklets in a group at the base and males terminal on the branchlets. Spikelets 1-flowered, unisexual. Male spikelets less conspicuous than female with 2 small, membranous, ovate glumes and a lemma similar to the glumes. Female spikelets with 2 short glumes; lemma with connate margins, utricle-like, inflated, prominently ribbed, covered with hooked hairs and (in ours) white. Stigmas 3. Caryopsis oblong, flattened.An extraordinary-looking plant which is not particularly grass-like at first glance.