Abh. Königl. Akad. Wis.s. Berlin 1891 (2): 127 (1892).- Type: Mann 2088, Cameroon (holo- K).
Vilfa montana Hoof.f., J. Linn. Soc. 7: 228 (1864), illeg.
Regional litterature: FWTA: 407 (1972); Gram. Cameroun: 149 (1992).
Description:
* Densely caespitose perennial of 15-60 cm long; butt sheaths persistent and investing the base of culm, with old fibrous sheaths. Culms erect. Leaves inrolled, sometimes more ot less flat, 2-10 cm long, 1-4 mm wide, the margins with tubercle-based hairs; ligule a fringe of hairs of 2-3 mm long.
* Inflorescence an open pyramidal panicle of 4-9 cm long. Primary panicle branches spreading, whorled at most nodes. Branches glabrous in axils with spikelets clustered towards tips of the branches. Spikelets pedicelled.
* Spikelets purple or black, lanceolate, 3.8-4.2 mm long. Lower glume lanceolate, 3.5 mm long; upper glume ovate, 3.8-4 mm long. Lemma ovate, 3-3.5 mm long, membranous, acute. Anthers 1.7-2 mm long, purple. Grain ellipsoid, laterally compressed, 1.5 mm long.
Distribution West Africa and world-wide: Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Cameroon (only Nigeria, Cameroon acc. to Cheek 2011).