| 1 | Leaf-blades small, 3-8(-12) by (½-)1-2 cm, usually only the midnerve prominent. Scapes very slender, almost filiform, c. ½ mm thick. Spikelets small, 7-10 mm long. Nut small, c. 4 by 2 mm |
| 1' | Leaf-blades larger, always with 3 prominent nerves. Scapes 1-2 mm thick. Spikelets (1½-)2-3½ cm long. Nut larger. |
| 2 | Leaf-blades 3-5 times as long as broad, up to 7 cm broad, abruptly narrowed into the 1½-3 mm thick petiole, the apex truncate to retuse; leaf-sheaths broadly ovate. |
| 2' | Leaf-blades more than 5 times as long as broad. Petiole usually thicker. Leaf-sheaths narrower. |
| 3 | Leaf-blades 3½-6 cm broad, up to 90 cm long, abruptly narrowed into the tail. |
| 3' | Leaf-blades (1-)2-3 cm broad, shorter than in var. petiolata, rather gradually passing in the tail |
