In Brazil its names include capim coquerinho, felpudo and pasto-negro.

It is called zong zi que bai in Chinese and herbe à cheval in French.

In South America its names include camalote, gamelotillo, and hierba de cepa.

[2][1] This rhizomatous perennial grass has thick stems which can exceed 1 metre (3 ft) in height.

[2] In its native range this grass grows in disturbed areas as well as prairies and forests.