The plant produces upright, angled stems approaching 1.2 meters in maximum height, growing in beds or colonies from
rhizome networks. The
inflorescence is a cluster of flower spikes accompanied by a long leaflike
bract. The
pistillate spikes and sometimes the
staminate spikes dangle on
peduncles. The fruit is coated by a hard, tough, shiny
perigynium which is generally dark in color. == Distribution and habitat ==