Carex tricephala is a species in the genus "Carex", family Cyperaceae. It is one of only about seven species in "Carex" sect. "Scabrellae". Members of this section have leaf-like bracts, and small spicate inflorescences. "Carex tricephala" is native to Southeast Asia, reported from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and the Chinese province of Yunnan.
Although native to SE Asia Carex tricephala is found in other parts also