Ess. Agrost.: 56(1812); Gram. Afr. Trop. 1: 247(1962); Gen. Gram.: 271 (1986).- Type-species: Ichnanthus panicoides P. Beauv.
Description:
* Annuals or perennials. Leaves linear to ovate, asymmetric, narrowed at the base, with fine transverse nerves.
* Inflorescence a diffuse panicle or with raceme-like primary branches.
* Spikelets laterally compressed, lanceolate; rhacheole developed between both lemmas.. Glumes keeled, membranous, acute to acuminate. Lower floret male or sterile; upper lemma coriaceous, the margins at the base modified into 2 lateral membranous wings.
Genus of the New World with one pantropical species; mainly forest shade extending into the grasslands.