Stems to 30 cm high, ± slender. Leaves, much < stems, ± 2.5 mm wide, flat. Inflorescence of 3-4 spikes; uppermost spike male, very short, only c. ⅔ length of female spike just below, glumes with exceptionally long awns; female spikes ± 2 cm × 5 mm, on rather stiff erect peduncles. Glumes light brown, very narrow, with long awns almost = utricles. Utricles ± 3.5 × 1.5 mm, ± trigonous, turgid, oblong or ovoid, dull dark brown, strongly many-nerved, narrowed abruptly to a small, light brown, shortly bidentate beak. Stigmas 3. Nut trigonous, cream.