Leptaspis zeylanica Nees ex Steud.

zeylanica: from Sri Lanka (Ceylon)

Stout perennial grass, growing from a shallow rhizome, forming dense patches in the understorey of evergreen forest. Leaves up to 30 × 6 cm, oblong-lanceolate, somewhat glossy green above; midrib prominent and whitish beneath. Inflorescence a loose panicle. Spikelets white to purple, covered in hooked hairs, attaching and spreading themselves like burrs.

Rare

Throughout tropical Africa, Madagascar extending to Sri Lanka, Malaysia and the Solomon Is.