Gahnia R.J.Forst. & G.Forst.

Leaves with a ligule. Lower flower abortive or male Gahnia

Spikelets with 1 or 2 flowers; an apparently terminal bisexual flower (very rarely with an imperfect one below it). Inflorescence erect or narrowly spreading

choose this alternative reject this alternative

Spikelets erect in dense terminal clusters. Inflorescence ± interrupted. Flowering glumes orbicular, very obtuse, c. 5 mm diam., brown. Nut smooth, brownish-red, with a distinct mucro, c. 5 mm long. Leaves scabrous on the back, often c. 80 cm long. Culms usually 40–50 cm high. Widespread. Damp places Gahnia aspera

choose this alternative reject this alternative

Spikelets in narrow panicles. Glume of the bisexual flower orbicular, obtuse, c. 3 mm diam. Nut black to very dark brown, 3–4 mm long, without a distinct mucro. Culm usually c. 1 m high. Leaves smooth on the back or almost so, as long as the culms. Widespread. Damp places. Gahnia melanocarpa