Grasses

Sheath

The sheath is the tubular portion that surrounds the stem or younger growing leaves. The sheath can be:

1. split, with margins separate,
   
2. split, with margins overlapping, or
   
3. closed, forming a tube around the stem, with only a small notch on the side opposite to the leaf blade.

Ligule

The ligule is a very thin, tongue-like appendage growing upward from the inner surface of the collar between the leaf blade and the stem. If present, it may be just a fringe of hair or a thin membrane.

Stem

The flowering stems of grasses are usually hollow and are either round or flat

Sedges

Plants that belong to the sedge family (Cyperaceae) are very similar to those of the Grass Family. However, there are a number of characteristic features that help to separate them: