Perennial tussock-forming grass with stems to about 1 m tall. Leaf blades long and rough, flat or folded, sheaths often purplish. Inflorescences cylindrical, 6-15 cm long. Spikelets mostly solitary, occasionally 2, with rough, purplish bristles 1-1.5 cm long.

Southern & eastern Asia (disputedly native to eastern Australia)

Source: Spencer, R.; Aldous, D.; Stajsic, V.; McGeary, D (2005). Poaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.