This grass like plant is most often found beside tracks, creeks and other sunlit areas around rainforest areas. It grows to a height of 2 m. The long grass like blades are saw edged and can easily cut the skin on contact. The terminal bud produces a flower-seed stalk. These seeds can be red, brown, black, or even grey in colour. When fully ripe, the seeds are hard and shiny in appearance.

The seeds may be gathered by shaking the stem and collecting the fallen seeds. These seeds may be pounded and then ground between two rocks, so as . . .