Tufted or rhizomatous annuals or perennials. Ligule a fringed membrane. Inflorescence a loose, open panicle. Spikelets densely white or reddish silky-pubescent, 2-flowered, the lower male or neuter, the upper bisexual; glumes 2, falling with the spikelet, very unequal, the lower reduced, the upper equal to the lower lemma; upper lemma smaller than lower, smooth, glabrous, firm and white.
About 25 species, from Africa, Madagascar and the Middle East; 2 naturalised in Australia.
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.
