Nat. Syst. Bot. 447 (1836) ; Gen. Gram. : 335 (1986) .- Type-species: Microstegium willdenowianum Nees (= M. vimineum).
Description: Caespitose annuals or perennials. Leaves linear to lanceolate, sometimes with a short pseudopetiole ; ligule membranous or a short fringed membrane or a fringe of hairs.
* Inflorescence unbranched or of digitate or subdigitate primary branched. Rhachis internodes enlarged, clavate.
* Pedicellate and sessile spikelets similar, callus pubescent. Glumes firmer than lemmas, the upper often with a long awn ; lower glume concave between the keels. Upper lemma awned from the apex or from a sinus. Awn glabrous, straight or geniculate.
Genus with 15 species of tropical Asia; probably introduced in tropical Africa.