Culms 23–70 (–170) cm high, usually 1–3-noded; mid-culm internodes occasionally pigmented particularly immediately below node, usually retrorsely scabrous or rarely glabrous. Leaves: basal sheaths often pigmented at base; blade stiff. Inflorescences green and purple, with spikelets distinctly bicoloured; peduncles retrorsely scabrous. Glumes purple below hyaline apex.