Grass-like, densely tufted. Leaves 2-5-(6) mm wide, < stems, occasionally almost = stems at flowering, bright green, margins slightly villous throughout, tip obtuse; sheaths with a thick tuft of tangled hairs at mouth, especially noticeable in cauline leaves. Flowering stems 20-60-(75) cm high, erect. Inflorescence a rounded or lobed head, often more than 1 cm in diam., consisting of a large central ± oblong cluster occasionally with 1- (3) smaller lateral clusters on long peduncles. Flowers 3-3.5 mm long, not close-set, with bases of flowers and rhachis between visible; tepals red-brown with broad whitish membranous margins. Stamens 6; anthers ± = filaments. Capsule < tepals, red-brown. Seeds with conspicuous white caruncle.