To 45 cm tall but generally much shorter. Leaves soft and flexible, without a strongly prominent midrib. Spadix 5-10 cm long, 3-4 mm wide.This species is not or hardly aromatic when crushed.

A. calamus L., which is widespread in the Northern Hemisphere, is a generally more robust plant, the leaves being like those of the Iris rather than a grass; it also has a pink aromatic rhizome. 'Variegatus' has leaves striped yellow.

Japan, SE Asia, China.

Source: Spencer, R. (2005). Acoraceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.