Decumbent, rhizomatous or stoloniferous annuals or perennials. Leaf-blades flat; ligule a fringe of hairs. Inflorescence a panicle with primary branches distichously arranged, often reduced to short clusters of spikelets. Spikelet 2-flowered, the lower floret barren, with or without a palea; glumes 2, falling with the spikelet, at least the lower awned; lower lemma longer than glumes, not hardening at maturity; upper lemma and palea shorter than lower lemma, firmer than other segments.
About 7 species (depending on species concepts), from tropical Africa, North and South America, Asia and the Pacific Islands; 4 in Australia, 1 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.
