2n = 72

Flaccid, narrow-leaved grass-like tufts of variable size from 6-30 cm high; rhizome far-extending. Inflorescence of 3-5 small, very dark brown, ± approximate sessile spikes. Utricle-beak minute. Stigmas 2.

Rhizome ascending; tufts flaccid. Rhizomes 1.5–2 mm. diam., often long-creeping. Culms variable in size, (2)–6–32 cm. × 0.3–1 mm., trigonous, almost glab., but often slightly scabrid just below the infl.; basal sheaths light brown or grey-brown. Lvs ∞, < or us. > culms, (0.5)–1–2.5 mm. wide, double-folded, grasslike, keel, margins and nerves on adaxial surface slightly scabrid towards tip. Infl. of 3–5 spikes, ± approximate, us. sessile; uppermost spike male, occ. compound with a smaller male spike near its base; lower spikes female, often male at the top, 0.5–1.5–(2) cm. × 2–5 mm., us. < male spikes. Glumes < utricles, ovate, subacute, dark brown to almost black, coriac., midrib narrow to broad, green, scarcely reaching tip of glume. Utricles 2.5–4 × 1.5–2 mm., narrow-ovoid to orbicular-ovoid, gradually tapering above, much compressed, green with minute red-brown spots when mature, conspicuously nerved, margins smooth; beak almost wanting, orifice entire or minutely bidentate; stipe < 0.5 mm. long. Stigmas 2. Nut 1.5–2 mm. long, biconvex, orbicular-ovoid, dull grey.