512.000 Coleochloa Gilly

Tufted, narrow-leaved perennials with the habit and spikelet structure of a Scleria. Leaves 2-ranked, with the sheath open (as opposed to closed in Scleria). Ligule present, a band of stiff white hairs. The spikes or heads are composed of many spikelets. Each spikelet consists of 4-5 distichous glumes, of which the lowest 2 are empty, the 2-3 upper either subtend male flowers only or 1-2 female and 1-2 male flowers. Ovary with a ring of hairs below and extended into a beak (superficially resembling the utricle of Carex).

Worldwide: 7 species found in Africa south of the Sahara, including one in Madagascar

Malawi: 3 taxa.