The stems are ofen densely villous below the panicle, 1-2 cm or more in diameter, and solid. Sometimes secondary or even tertiary culms arise from the nodes. The internode is usually light green and sometimes shows a purple pigment when exposed. The nodes are often marked by a ring of long white cilia pointing upward, which bear a ring of adventitious roots on the basal side. Tillering The main stalk gives rise to one or more primary tillers arising at or below ground surface and about the height of the main tiller.
Secondary branches arise from the main and primary tillers.
Tertiary, and rarely, quaternary branches may be produced. All the tillers can bear productive panicles, and become an important factor for survival in times of adversity. The leaves are long, scabrous, and slender, with smooth or hairy surface, and hairy ligules. The midrib may be prominent, upright or drooping. The leaf sheaths are open and hairy, while the ligule is short.