Appearance Tall, robust perennial grass, spreading by short stout rhizomes Foliage Stems normally about 2 m tall, sometimes up to 4.5 m tall. Leaves, waxy, 30–100 cm long, 5–4 cm broad Flowers Heads a panicle 3–10 cm wide, spikelets breaking off at maturity Seeds Brown, ovate, 3.3–4 mm long, 2–2.3 mm broad.