Cosmopolitan, tufted perennial up to 2m with creeping stems. Leaves are strap-like, twisted and spongy; flowers are small in dense, cylindrical spikes; male flowers paler and loosely arranged above, female flowers are dark brown and densely arranged below.

Only genus in the family Typhaceae

Greek: typhos = marsh; referring to the habitat where this species grows.

The long, spongy, strap-shaped leaves were used for thatching and for making hats.