Bolboschoenus

a genus of perennial grasses of the family Cyperaceae. It has a creeping rootstock, generally with tuberous swellings. The inflorescence is umbrelled and sometimes forms a capitate cluster. The flowers are monoecious, with two or three stigmata. There are four or five species, distributed outside of the arctic zones. Three species are found in the USSR; the most common is Bolboschoenus maritimus, which frequently forms thickets along shores and in marshy areas. Sometimes this species is eaten by cattle and horses. The tuberous swellings, which contain large amounts of starch, serve as fodder and can be used to make flour. The genus Bolboschoenus is often included in the genus Scirpus (bulrush).