Description: Prostrate to ascending herbs, usually with ± angular stems, ± constricted at nodes.
Leaves with large curved cystoliths and sometimes smaller straight cystoliths on upper surface.
Inflorescences terminal, dense spikes of decussate, usually overlapping bracts, each bract subtending 1 flower; bracts frequently with hyaline margins; bracteoles smaller than bracts. Calyx segments usually 4, with hyaline remnant of fifth. Corolla tube widening above, 2-lipped. Stamens 2. Ovary with 2 ovules per loculus.
Capsule ellipsoid; seeds 1–4, circular, compressed, tuberculate.
Distribution and occurrence: World: c. 20 species, tropical & subtropical Africa, Asia, Malesia & Australia. Australia: 2 species (native), Qld, N.S.W., N.T., S.A., W.A.
Text by J. Everett
Taxon concept:
| | Key to the species | |
| 1 | Apex of the bract obtuse, margin of the bract conspicuously white (or purple) hyaline all around | Rostellularia obtusa |
| Apex of the bract acute, margin of the bract often white hyaline, but not right around the apex | Rostellularia adscendens |
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