Tufted, lax-leaved perennials. Leaf-sheath rounded, uppermost sheaths ± keeled above. Ligule membranous. Leaf-blade narrow linear-lanceolate, flat. Culm often decumbent, to erect. Panicle open or contracted. Spikelets small, 1-(2)-flowered; disarticulation above glumes; rachilla prolonged. Glumes unequal, « florets, membranous, keeled; lower 1-nerved, upper 1-3-nerved. Lemma 3-nerved, sometimes with 2 additional weak nerves, chartaceous, keeled, with or without subapical mucro or awnlet. Palea similar to lemma in size and texture, keeled, 1-2-nerved. Callus glabrous. Lodicules membranous, ovate-lanceolate, often asymmetrically lobed. Stamens 3. Ovary glabrous; styles apical; stigmas plumose. Caryopsis laterally compressed, ovoid; hilum punctiform, basal.

Plant perennial of medium stature. Ligule membranous non-ciliate. Leaf blade narrow linear-lanceolate; epidermis without distinctive silica cells; microhairs absent; chlorenchyma diffuse. Inflorescence a panicle; spikelets pedicellate, small, 1 (occasionally 2)-flowered, laterally compressed, rachilla produced beyond floret, disarticulating above glumes. Glumes unequal, shorter than floret, 1 and 1-3-nerved, keeled. Lemma keeled, 3-nerved, occasionally with 2 additional weak nerves, chartaceous, awnless to mucronate. Palea similar, 1—2—nerved. Lodicules 2, non-ciliate Stamens 2 or 3. Ovary glabrous; styles 2, apical plumose. Fruit small (c. 1.5 mm), laterally compressed, ovoid, free; hilum punctiform, basal. Starch grains compound. Chromosomes basic number 7, medium size.