Perennial with short scaly rhizomes. Culms 2–4 m. high and up to 1 cm. in diameter, almost woody. Leaf-blades up to 60 cm. long and 10 mm. broad, mostly rolled, scabrid, the tip filiform. Panicle lanceolate, 30–80 cm. long and 8–12 cm. broad, dense, light brown.