A tufted herb. Leaf-sheaths unequally plicate, 4 3/4–5 1/4 in. long, 7 lin. broad at the base, narrowing to about 2 lin. broad where they pass into the blades, which are about 16 in. long, 14 lin. broad, linear-lanceolate, tapering towards both ends, very acute, many-nerved. Inflorescence about 3/4 in. long. “Capitulum sessile in the axils of the leaves, bracteate at the base, with a few unequal complicate and carinate subulate bracts, pedunculate above the bracts; peduncle thick, triangular, short, almost concealed by the two larger involucrating bracts, many-flowered.” Flowers surrounded by many bracteoles. Perianth-tube slender, about 1 1/2 in. long, 1/2 lin. diam., cylindric; lobes 6, subequal, 5 1/2 lin. long, 2 1/2 lin. broad, very thin and membranous, whitish-yellow.
