Infl. a loose terminal cluster or corymb. Spikelets 1–2-fld, fls hermaphrodite, or occ. 1 of the 2 sterile. Glumes 4–5, distichous, 2 lowermost smaller, empty, upper glumes larger, 1–2 fertile. Hypog. bristles 3–6, plumose. Stamens 3. Style-branches 3. Nut trigonous, style-base persistent. Tufted, grass-like perennial herbs, lfy at base only.