Dioecious rhizomatous mat-forming perennial to 30cm tall and up to 5m wide, culms well-spaced on the deep rhizome.

Culm: Much branched, 1mm wide at the base and 0.5mm wide at the top. Sheaths are free, loosely convoluted, with a very thin mucron to 2mm long, persistent (not falling off quickly).

Inflorescence: Male: many spikelets, <2mm long, in a paniculate inflorescence to 3cm long and 4mm wide. Female: up to 20 spikelets, usually fewer, <4mm long, on a linear inflorescence to 6cm long and 4mm wide.

Distribution: From Melkbosstrand to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).

Note: Greek: mikros = little, insignificant, carpos = fruit; referring to the small fruits of this species.