This perennial tufted grass as a shrub-like growth form with a densely or loosely tufted rhizome, with relatively short and wide, thickened leaves that is wide with sharp tips and serrated margins.
Velvety purple to red hairs cover the spikelets and the central florescence axid is hairy. Flowering occurs from October to March.
This grass is reasonably palatable, but has relatively low leaf production. This grass is a good indicator of good veld conditions in stony places.
Size: up to 1 m