Dwarf, dense, moss-like tufts to ± 5 cm high with stems hidden among numerous leaves. Inflorescence of 1- (2) pale green spikelets. Stamens usually 2. Style-branches usually 2. Nut minute, suborbicular, plano-convex, almost black.

Dwarf, dense, moss-like tufts 3–9 cm. across, bright green above, reddish brown below. Rhizome < 1 mm. diam., much branched; sheathing bract at each node loose, membr., with red nerves. Culms < 1.5 rarely up to 3 cm. long, < 0.5 mm. diam. Lvs 1–2 on each branch, much > culms, 0.5–4–(6) cm. long, < 0.5 mm. wide, setaceous, plano-convex; sheath membr., red-nerved. Infl. an apparently lateral, single spikelet, or rarely 2, hidden among the lvs, pale green, occ. with red markings; subtending bract lf-like, channelled, very much > culm from which it arises and almost = lvs. Spikelets 2.5–3.5 × 1.5–2 mm., elliptical or oblong. Glumes 1–2 mm. long, ovate, elliptical, obtuse, white and membr., or with patches of red on the sides; keel thick, green, occ. slightly excurrent. Hypog. bristles 0. Stamens 2, rarely 3. Style-branches 2, occ. 3. Nut c. 0.5 × 0.5 mm., c. ⅔ length of glume, obovoid to suborbicular, plano-convex, dorsally rounded, noticeably apiculate, red-brown to dark brown, almost black, surface often shining but distinctly reticulate.