Perennials, rhizomatous or stoloniferous. Leaf sheaths closed to middle or above; leaf blades linear, flat, glabrous; ligule membranous. Inflorescence an open or infrequently contracted panicle of many spikelets; branches minutely papillose; pedicels short. Spikelets with (1–)2(–3) florets, subterete, disarticulating below each floret; rachilla extended above floret, glabrous; glumes unequal, much shorter than florets, membranous, lower less than 1/2 spikelet length, 0–1-veined, upper up to 2/3 spikelet length, prominently 1–3-veined, apex truncate or broadly obtuse; lemmas broadly ovate to oblong, herbaceous or thinly membranous becoming hyaline toward apex, rounded on back, prominently 3-veined, lateral veins marginal, glabrous, apex broadly obtuse to truncate, erose, awnless; floret callus short, glabrous; palea subequal to lemma, keels smooth. Stamens 3. Caryopsis ellipsoid, hilum shortly oblong. x = 5.

Two to four species: temperate regions of both hemispheres, Chile; two species in China.

(Authors: Wu Zhenlan (吴珍兰); Sylvia M. Phillips)