Perennial herbaceous plant, up to 1 m tall, very characteristic appearance. Photosynthetic stems, dark green, cylindrical, knotless, 0.5-1 cm in diameter, tapering towards the apex, acute. Leaves reduced, at the base of the stem, inconspicuous. Hermaphrodite flowers, small, grouped in complex inflorescences. Anemogamous pollination (by wind). Achene type fruit.