Fl. Indo-Cine 7: 364 (1922).
Anthiristiria caudata Nees ex Hook. & Arn., Bot. Beechey Voy. 245 (1838).
Description:
* Robust perennial of 2-3 m high. Culms erect or geniculately ascending, round or slightly compressed at the base, branched in the upper part, 0.5-1 cm diameter. Leaves linear, 0.3-1 m long and 8-16 mm wide, midvein distinct, acuminate; ligule a ciliolate membrane of 1 mm long, ciliate; sheaths glabrous, the basal ones compressed and keeled.
* Inflorescence a large composed panicle; branches bearing several spathes; each spathe subtending a further spathe and up to 3 spatheoles and racemes; spatheole lanceolate, 3-5 cm long, scarious, glabrous; peduncle pilose at apex. Racemes solitary with spikelets in pairs; 1-2 fertile spikelets per raceme and 4 basal spikelets forming an involucre.
* Fertile spikelets elliptic, subterete, 6-8 mm long; callus linear, 2-3 mm long, acuminate, bearded with dark brown hairs. Lower glume oblong-lanceolate, coriaceous, densely golden striose. Lower floret without palea; upper lemma stipitiforme, with a geniculate awn of 4-8 cm long. Basal involucral spikelets well-developped, male, lanceolate, 10-15 mm long; upper lemma hyaline. Homogamous spikelets arising slightly at different levels, 12-15 mm long, linear-lanceolate, wingless. Pedicelled spikelets similar, male or barren.
Distribution West Africa: Introduced in the Aburi botanical garden and spread.
Distribution world-wide: Tropical Asia.