Robust leafy clumps to 1.5 m high. Stems ± 3-angled, leafy at base and with 3-5 evenly spaced cauline leaves. Leaves numerous, much < stems, to 5 mm wide, channelled but flattened, strongly keeled, margins and keel finely scabrid; sheaths light reddish-brown, shining. Inflorescence a terminal compound irregular umbel with many unequal erect rays; secondary rays slender, ± drooping at maturity; leaf-like bract c 3, > inflorescence, upper bracts dark brown, strongly nerved. Spikelets ± 4 mm long, ovate, in clusters of 2-5 at tips of rays. Glumes ± 1.5 mm long, light brown to olive, membranous, darker towards tip, midrib thickened, not excurrent. Hypogynous bristles many, filiform, much > nut, folded, twisted and very conspicuous at maturity. Stamens 3. Stigmas 3. Nut ± 0.7 mm long, ± trigonous but dorsal angle not well marked, cream.