Perennial herb, up to 300 mm tall. Stems tufted, enclosed by harsh chestnut-black, striate leaf sheaths. Leaves often two-thirds the length of primary peduncle, narrowly linear. Spikelets 6-10, crowded in 1 head. Glumes reddish brown.
Perennial herb, tufted, 0.12-0.50 m high. Description as for B. schoenoides but leaf bases hard, dark brown to black, persistent; blades coarser and wider. Flowering time Sept., Nov., Dec.