Melinis

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.