Tufted, perennial, rhizomatous herb, up to 1 m high. Leaves on horizontal rhizomes, cauliform, terete, pungent, without septa, sheaths auriculate, 1 or 2 to each leaf; cataphylls shiny. Scape terete, rigid, smooth. Inflorescence paniculate, pseudolateral, the subtending bract forming a continuation of stem, plumose, decompound with many branches and branchlets of different lengths. Flowers in compact clusters of 3-6; functionally unisexual and usually born on separate plants. Perianth segments linear-acuminate. Stamens 6; anthers yellow, ± 2 mm long with short filaments. Ovary ovoid; style short; stigmas exserted. Capsule narrowly ellipsoid, 3-angled, apiculate, woody, shiny brown, enclosed in perianth or slightly longer. Seeds ellipsoid.
Home