Caespitose annuals or perennials, 10-45 cm: sometimes rhizomatous; stem nearly terete; leaves basal, shorter than stem; blades well developed without ligule; inflorescence a compact multiple spike formed by 1-7 sessile clusters of spikes, clusters c. 5 x 3 mm, with more than 100 spikes; several involucral bracts foliose, but small; cluster axis enlarged, reticulated by scars of fallen bracts and spikes; glume-like bracts c. 2 mm; spikes caducous, with 0-2 glumes and one flower, glumes (when present) scarious, tightly enveloping fruit; perianth 0; stamens 1-3, stigmas 2-3(-4); nuts 0.5-1.5 mm.