Xyridaceae

Annual or perennial herbs. Leaves linear or filiform, mostly basal and usually sheathing at base. Inflorescence spicate or capitate, consisting of imbricate bracts in an ovoid head terminating an elongated scape; outer 2 to few pairs of bracts often sterile. Flowers bisexual, actinomorphic or partially zygomorphic. Sepals (2-)3; lower 2 placed laterally and opposite. Petals 3, free or united, actinomorphic. Stamens 3, often with 3 alternate staminodes. Ovary superior, usually 1-locular; ovules numerous. Seeds usually apiculate and longitudinally striate.

Worldwide: 5 genera and 260 species, tropical and warm areas, few temperate.

Zimbabwe: 1 genus and 13 taxa.