Machaerina (twigrush)[2] is a genus of flowering plants in the sedge family. Its species occur in tropical America, the West Indies, Malesia, Australia and the Pacific region. The name comes from the Greek machaira (a large knife), alluding to the shape of the leaves in the type species – Machaerina restioides.[3]
The species in the genus are rhizomatous perennials. The leaves are mainly basal, with a few cauline, laterally compressed, distichous and equitant at base. The culms are tufted and pithy. The inflorescence consists of several partial panicles. The flowers may be bisexual or male.[3]