Tufted perennial from a narrow base. Up to 1m in height.

Culm: Unbranched. Sheaths are loosely clasped around the culms, some dropping off to form abscission rings at the nodes.

Flowerhead: The male inflorescence has spathes loosely arranged so that the spikelets of flowers are visible.

The female inflorescence has spathes tightly arranged, hiding the flower spikelets.

Distribution: Kogelberg to Stormsvlei.

Note: Latin: persisto = to take up one's stand continually (persistent).