2n = 88

Caespitose, slender. Culms 4–25–(40) cm. × c. 0.5 mm., slightly scabrid below infl.; basal bracts dull brown or yellow-brown. Lvs 3–5 per culm, much < mature culms, 1–2 mm. wide, erect or slightly curved, faintly scabrid on the margins and adaxial surface towards the tip. Spikes 2.5–4 cm. ×3–4 mm., ebracteate, female fls c. 10–20, close-set, becoming more lax at maturity with internodes up to 5 mm. long at base of spike, 1.5 mm. long above. Glumes for the most part ½–¾ length of utricles, persistent, broadly ovate, obtuse or lowermost subacute, coriac., bright chestnut-brown with green or light brown midrib and broad, whitish, hyaline margins. Utricles 4.5–5.5 × 1–2 mm., plano-convex, oblong or obovate, dark brown with ∞ faint veins, beak 1–1.5 mm. long, stipe c. 1 mm. long.