Tufted or rhizomatous perennials, coumarin-scented. Leaf-blades flat to convolute; ligules membranous. Inflorescence a panicle. Spikelets 3-flowered, lower two florets male and the terminal one bisexual, falling together; glumes 2, persistent, about as long as the spikelet; lemmas obscurely 5–7-nerved, the 2 male ones mucronate or awned, the bisexual one hairy towards the apex; palea membranous, 1-nerved, shorter than lemma.
About 30 species, nearly cosmopolitan, in cool-temperate regions; 4 occurring in Australia, 3 in Victoria.
Source:
Walsh, N.G. (1994). Poaceae. In: Walsh, N.G.; Entwisle, T.J., Flora of Victoria Vol. 2, Ferns and Allied Plants, Conifers and Monocotyledons, pp. 356–627. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
