FTA 9: 76 (1917); Gram. Afr. Trop. 1: 284 (1962); Gen. Gram.: 365 (1986).- Type-species: Chasmopodium caudatum (Hack.) Stapf
Description:
* Robust annual or perennial herbs of 2-4 m tall, with prop-roots. Leaves broad; ligule fringe of hairs.
* Inflorescence axillary in a single raceme. Racemes subcylindrical, dorsi-ventral with paired spikelets; rhachis fragile with clavate internodes, shorter than spikelets. Fertile spikelets sessile. Pedicels free.
* Sessile spikelets with truncate callus and a central knob, falling entire with branch structures. Lower glume crustaceous, oblong-ovate, smooth, narrowly keeled above. Lower floret male, with palea; upper lemma hyaline. Pedicelled spikelet well-developed, separately deciduous.
African genus with 2 species.