Nov. Bull. Soc. Philom. 2: 189 (1810); Gen. Gram.: 160 (1986).- Type-species: Centotheca lappacea (L.) Desv.
Description:
* Annual with erect culms. Leaves broadly linear to lanceolate, narrowed at the base; and with distinct cross veins.
* Inflorescence a panicle or the primary branches reduced to racemes. Spikelets solitary, with pedicels.
* Spikelets 1-4-flowered, breaking up at maturity. Glumes shorter than spikelet, acute or acuminate. Fertile lemmas oblong, herbaceous; upper florets reduced in size and often with reflexed bristles; lemmas apiculate.
Genus with 4 species; forests.