Tufted perennial, reddish when mature. Leaves 15-30cm x 1-8mm with prominent midrib; ligule is a lacerated membrane. Inflorescence is a false panicle 10-30cm long; has drooping triangular clusters of spikelets 5-7mm long; each spikelet pair has a long, bent and twisted awn.

Important grazing grass in east and southern Africa; an indicator of sound veld management.

Occurs in a number of regional growth forms.