Scandent rhizomatous perennial with culms to 1.2m. Leaves to 500mm x 8mm, glabrous above & spinulose beneath with scabrous margins. Terminal panicles to 200mm long with bracts to 250mm x 7mm & setaceous bractlets. Pistillate spikelets to 7mm x 3mm & staminate spikelets to 5mm x 2mm, brown to purple-black flowers. Achenes to 4mm x 3mm, whitish to greyish-white