Perennials. Leaf blades flat; ligule membranous. Inflorescence an open panicle. Spikelets laterally compressed, floret 1, rachilla extension usually present, varying from minute stub to slender bristle, disarticulating below glumes; glumes equal or lower somewhat shorter, lanceolate, membranous with broad hyaline margins, 1–3-veined, apex acute; lemma herbaceous with hyaline margins, equal to or slightly shorter than glumes, keeled, 3–5-veined, awnless or with mucro or short straight awn arising below apex, apex subacute; palea as long as or slightly shorter than lemma, 1-keeled, 1-veined or 2-veined with veins very close together, keel scabrid. Stamens 1(or 2). Ovary oblong, styles united at base. Endosperm liquid.

Four species: temperate regions of the N hemisphere, Mexico to Peru; one species in China.

(Authors: Lu Shenglian (卢生莲); Sylvia M. Phillips)