Some of the numerous _Juncus_-species (_e.g. J. effusus_, _glaucus_, _conglomeratus_, etc.), have false, lateral inflorescences, the axis of the inflorescence being pushed to one side by its subtending leaf, which apparently forms a direct continuation of the stem, and resembles it both in external and internal structure. The foliage-leaves of this genus were formerly described as “unfertile stems,” because they are cylindrical, erect, and resemble stems, and consequently the stem was said to be “leafless”: _J. effusus_, _glaucus_, _conglomeratus_. Stellate parenchynatous cells are found in the pith of these stems and in the leaves. Other species have distinct terminal inflorescences and grooved leaves; _J. bufonius_ (Toad-rush), _compressus_, and others. The _inflorescences_ most often present the peculiarity of having the lateral axes protruding above the main axis. Their composition is as follows:--The flowers have either no bracteoles, and the inflorescences are then capitulate; or they have 1–several bracteoles. Each branch has then, first, a 2-keeled fore-leaf placed posteriorly (“basal-leaf”), and succeeding this are generally several leaves borne alternately and in the same plane as the basal-leaf, the two uppermost (the “spathe-leaves”) being always barren; those which lie between the basal-leaves and the spathe-leaves are termed “intermediate-leaves.” If only branches occur in the axils of the basal-leaves, then the succeeding branches are always borne on the posterior side of the axis, and form a fan[27]; if the basal-leaf is barren, and if there is only one fertile intermediate-leaf, then the lateral axes are always on the upper side, and a sickle[27]-like inflorescence occurs; if there are 2 fertile intermediate-leaves, then a dichasium is formed, and in the case of there being several, then a raceme, or spike. _Juncaceæ_ are, by several authors, classed among the Liliifloræ, but there are so many morphological and partly anatomical features agreeing with the two following orders, that they may, no doubt, most properly be regarded as the starting point of these, especially of the _Cyperaceæ_, which they resemble in the type of flowers, the inflorescence, the type of mechanical system, and the stomata. POLLINATION by means of the wind. Cross-pollination is often established by protogyny. _J. bufonius_ has partly triandrous and cleistogamic, partly hexandrous, open flowers.--DISTRIBUTION. The 200 species are spread over the entire globe, but especially in cold and temperate countries; they are seldom found in the Tropics.--USES. Very slight; plaiting, for instance.