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*Erect annual grass up to 1.2(–1.5) m tall, usually free-tillering and tufted, with a rather shallow root system; stem cylindrical, simple or sparingly branched, glabrous to variously hairy.
*Leaves alternate, simple; leaf sheath variously hairy; ligule membranous, c. 1 mm long, ciliate; blade linear-lanceolate, 10–42 cm × 0.5–2.5 cm, variously hairy, with 3–6 veins on each side of the midrib.
*Inflorescence a slender panicle 10–30(–45) cm × 5–15 cm, open or compact, erect or drooping. *Spikelets solitary, stalked, ovoid-ellipsoid, 4–6 mm long, 2-flowered, glabrous; glumes unequal, the upper as long as spikelet, many-veined; lower floret sterile, upper one bisexual with thick broad (c. 2 mm) lemma and palea, 2 lodicules, 3 stamens and superior ovary with 2 plumose stigmas.
*Fruit a caryopsis (grain), broadly ovoid, up to 3 mm × 2 mm, smooth, variously coloured but often white, enclosed by the persistent lemma and palea and shedding easily.
