Tufted, with pinnate lvs up to c. 3 dm. long; sheaths up to c. 5 cm. × 15-25 mm.; stipules 25-40 mm. long stiff, subpungent; petioles striate 5-6 cm. × 3-4 mm.; lowest internodes ± 25 mm. long. Primary pinnae 4 pairs, striate, up to 11 cm. × 5-7 mm.; margins smooth, cartilaginous, tapering to pungent acicle c. 2 mm. long. Stem (immature ) bearing a male infl. not yet extended; bracts with sheaths ± 25-28 × 15 mm., with ± 10 faintly serrulate ribs; stipules 10-15 × 3 mm.; lamina 3-foliolate, on striate petiole 6 × 3 mm., with lflts ± 25 × 4 mm.