Small tufted annual, 2-10 cm high. Stems numerous, filiform. Leaves 1-2 basal, much > stems, setaceous; sheaths hyaline, mostly colourless but occasionally red-tinged at base. Inflorescence a solitary cluster of (1)-2-(5) comparatively large, digitate, very compressed spikelets varying from whitish-green to greenish-brown; lower subtending bract setaceous, < or > inflorescence, appearing as a continuation of the stem, occasionally a second setaceous bract or an upper spikelet with a short glume-like bract. Spikelets ± 3-8 × 2-3 mm, oblong to ovate-lanceolate. Glumes many, densely imbricate, ± 2 mm long, obtuse, distinctly nerved, margins occasionally brown-splotched, keel green, later brown, tip slightly spreading. Stamens 1 or 2. Style-branches 3. Nut slightly > ½ length of glume, ellipsoid, acutely triquetrous.