A robust, tufted perennial, growing crowded together on a strong rhizome. Up to 2.5m in height.

Culm: Unbranched, stout and erect up to 10mm in diameter. Sheaths drop off leaving small, distinct and dark abscission rings at the nodes along the culms.

Flowerhead: Floral spikes are subtended by large, pale spathes.

In the male, there are hundreds of spikelets on branchlets clustered at the nodes along the inflorescence with large 5-10cm long spathes which eventually drop off.

In the female, there are several spikelets clustered at each node and are hidden by large, also 5-10cm long spathes which eventually drop off.

The fruit is a capsule, 3-chambered with ornamental seeds.

Distribution: From Bainskloof to the Cape Peninsula and on to Riversdale.

Note: Extensive populations, often much taller than the surrounding vegetation.

One of this restio's common names, 'Rocket Restio' refers to the exploding nature of the flowerhead when burnt. The plants are killed by fire, but re-establish from seed.

Latin: mucro = a sharp point or edge, -atus = possession or likeness; (mucronate: abruptly terminated by a hard sharp point).