Erect to spreading perennial herb forming thickets. Sheath at base of leaf bristly along top margin. Mid green lance-shaped leaves with dark blotch near the center, 4-15cm x 7-25mm margins and main veins bristly. Narrow cylindric, dense erect terminal spikes 2-6mm long of tiny pink flowers on stalk 2-6cm long. Can be used in wet depressions or around farm dams.