in E & P., Pflanzenfam. 2,2: 25 (1889); Gen. Gram.: 361 (1986).- Type-species: Urelytrum agropyroides (Hack.) Hack.
Description:
* Annual or perennial. Leaves flat, with a membranous ligule.
* Inflorescence one-many subdigitate racemes. Racemes flattened, fragile; internodes clavate with crater form top and a lobed scarious rim.
* Sessile spikelet with a oblique, obtuse to cuneate, pubescent callus, inserted in the internode, concealing most of the hairs. Lower glume coriaceous with margins keeled towards the tip; upper glume awnless. Pedicelled spikelet almost as long as the sessile or reduced, its lower glume drawn out into a long curved awn.
Genus of tropical Africa with 7 species.