J. Bot. 3: 282 (1889); Gram. Afr. Trop. 1: 236 (1962); Gen. Gram.: 280 (1986).
Description:
* Rhizomatous perennial. Leaves lanceolate to ovate, narrowed at the base into a false petiole.
* Inflorescence a panicle, often contracted about primary branches.
* Spikelets laterally compressed. Glumes shorter than spikelet. Lower lemma slight shorter than spikelet ; upper lemma excerted, lanceolate, subcoriaceous, acute with a little green crest.