The stems bear prominent leaf scars. The leaves are very long and narrow, sheathing, simple, undivided, with parallel veins; the leaf margins and abaxial midribs are often prickly.
The description emphasizes the distinctive features of the plant's stems and leaves: prominent scars on the stems, elongated and narrow leaves with sheathing structure, simple unbranched nature, parallel veins, and prickles along the edges and midrib.