Tetraria microstachys H.Pfeiff.

Perennial herb, tufted, 0.15-0.30 m high. Leaves: sheaths brownish, old outer sheaths cancellate; blades ± as long as culm, 1.5-1.8 mm wide. Culm nodose, obtusely 3-angled, 1.2-1.5 mm in diam. Inflorescence a ± dense, erect panicle 50-150 x 12-37 mm, with 1 or 2 branches from each of upper nodes of culm, each sparsely re-branched and bearing several spikelets. Subtending bracts sheathing culm, sheaths blackish; blades leaf-like, green. Spikelets ± lanceolate, 8-9 x 2.2 mm; flowers 2, lower male, upper bisexual. Glumes: fertile lanceolate, 7.0-8.8 mm long. Perianth ± 6 linear, scabrid bristles, slightly shorter than nutlet. Flowering time Oct., Nov. Nutlet 2.5-3.0 mm long, stalked, obovate, brown; style base small, pyramidal, surface hairy in upper part, minutely reticulate.