Tufted annuals or perennials. Leaf-sheath membranous to chartaceous, often with auricles. Ligule membranous. Leaf-blade flat. Inflorescence an oblong to linear, spike-like raceme, with spikelets in triads alternately at nodes of rachis, each triad consisting of a sessile to pedicelled ☿ central spikelet flanked by 2 pedicelled lateral spikelets, ♂ or Ø; rachis flattened; spikelets disarticulating as triads. Spikelets 1-flowered, dorsally compressed; rachilla prolonged. Glumes 2, anterior to spikelet, 1-nerved or faintly 3-nerved, linear, often awn-like, sometimes expanded at base, often with fine prickles in the 3 serrate lines. Lemma of central floret obscurely 5-nerved, rounded, awned or awnless; lemmas of lateral florets usually smaller to much reduced, sometimes larger. Palea ≈ lemma, 2-nerved, folded. Stamens 3. Lodicules 2. Ovary with hairy corona and long hispid hairs at apex. Caryopsis free, or adherent to anthoecium, elliptic, deeply furrowed adaxially; embryo c. ⅕-¼ caryopsis. Fig. 14.