2n = 20

Rhizome creeping, 1–3 mm. diam., loosely ensheathed at each node by large, us. dark red-purple, obtuse bracts with broad membr. margins. Culms (2)–3–20–(40) cm. × c. 0.5 mm., tufted or close together in a linear series, erect or curved; sheaths membr. with red-purple markings and oblique orifice. Spikelets 3–7–(8) × 1–3 mm., 5–20-fld, ovoid to almost lanceolate, subacute. Glumes oblong, obtuse, 1-nerved, membr. margin often very broad. Hypog. bristles 4–8, us. > nut. Stamens 3. Style 3-fid. Nut slightly < 1.5 mm. long, slightly < 1 mm. diam., trigonous, obovoid, light to dark brown, smooth, surmounted by the pyramidal, persistent style-base.