Prod. Fl. Nov. Holl. 208 (1810); FWTA: 403 (1972); FTEA: 313 (1974); Gram. Cameroun: 183 (1992); Gen. Gram.: 242 (1986).- Type-species: Microchloa setacea R. Br. = Micrichloa indica (Linn. f.) P. Beauv.
Description:
* Small slender tufted annuals or perennials with slender wiry culms. Leaves linear to setaceous, stiff, often convolute; ligule a short membranous rim.
* Inflorescence a solitary, very slender, curved, one-sided raceme, not much wider than culm, often embraced by the uppermost sheath. Spikelets appressed to the rhachis.
* Spikelets very small, narrowly elliptic-oblong, the single fertile floret enclosed by the glumes, awnless. Glumes lanceolate oblong, firmly membranous with the margins infolded. Lemma shorter than and enclosed by the glumes, ovate to elliptic, obtuse, mucronulate; palea subequaling the lemma. Caryopsis oblong.
Genus with about 6 species of the open places in the savannas throughout the tropics.