2n = 46

In scattered, harsh, lfy tufts, (20)–30–60 cm. high, from a stout, woody rootstock. Culms (1)–1.5–2.5 mm. diam., obtusely trigonous, not very scabrid. Lvs , much > culms, flat, curving, scabrid on the abaxial surface, 4–7 mm. wide, tapering to a filiform tip, which is curled when dry; margins scabrid, strongly revolute in dry old lvs; sheath very short compared to lamina, not demarcated from lamina by any transverse line but merely becoming broader, cream, with membr. margins. Panicle erect, rigid, (6)–9–20 cm. long, with short, ± distant branchlets subtended by rigid, scabrid, lf-like bracts. Spikelets 6.5–9 mm. long, narrow-lanceolate, shortly stalked. Glumes coriac., minutely puberulous, keel and margins finely scabrid; 4 outer glumes smaller, increasing in size, us. acuminate, 2 upper glumes much longer, acute, rigid; a seventh minute membr. glume subtending the uppermost sterile fl. Nut 2.5–3 × c. 1.5 mm., elliptic-oblong, red-brown to black and shining, with 3 longitudinal ribs, surmounted by a thickened, corky style-base which is very distinct in the immature fr.; ripe fr. retained on plant for a time by being entangled in the slightly elongated staminal filaments.