E.J. 32: 53 (1902); Gram. Afr. Trop. 1: 232 (1962); Gen. Gram.: 296 (1986).
- Type-species: Acritochaete volkensii Pilg.
Description:
* Annual. Culms decumbent, branched above, rooting from the lower nodes. Leaves linear to lanceolate; ligule membranous.
* Inflorescence composed of several racemes along a central axis. Racemes unilateral rhachis unilateral, bearing spikelets adaxial. Spikelets pedicelled,.
* Spikelets lanceolate, dorsally compressed, falling entie. Glumes membranous; lower glume ovate; upper glume lanceolate, 3-veined, setose, awned. Lower lemma lanceolate, membranous, sparsely hispid, its awn coiling at the tip and entangling its neighbours, without a significant palea; upper lemma lanceolate, papery, acuminate to aristulate. Stamens 3, stigmas 2. Caryopsis oblong.
Genus of Central Africa with 2 species, in WNSA region one species; in the shade in woodland and riverrine forest.