Hort. Kew 1: 85 (1789); Gram. Afr. Trop. 1: 230 (1962); Gen. Gram.: 255 (1986).- Type-species: Perotis latifolia Ait. = Perotis indica (Linn.) Ktze.
Description:
* Annuals or perennials. Leaves flat, broad with a amplexicaul base.
* Inflorescence a delicate bottle-brush-like spike, the spikelets subsessile on the main axis.
* Spikelets linear lanceolate, 1-flowered without rhachilla extension, with or without a stipitate basal callus. Glumes sub equal, lanceolate, each tipped by a long slender awn, that of the lower usually longer, tinged with violet. Lemma hyaline, much shorter than glume.
Genus with appr. 10 species; weedy places I n the Old World tropics.