Botany
Sibat-sibatan is a tufted or somewhat scattered grass, 1 meter high or less. Stems are compressed below, simple or somewhat branched, with solitary, terminal spikes. Leaves are flat, 10 to 20 cm long, 4 to 7 mm wide. Spikes are 10 cm long or less, being densely imbricated and hirsute; spikelets are about 8 mm long, the lower few pairs staminate or neuter, the upper ones perfect. Awn of the fourth glume is stout, twisted, geniculate and about 10 cm long.

Distribution
In open grasslands at low and medium altitudes in Luzon; in Mindoro and Mindanao.
Unquestionably introduced.
Now pantropic.

Properties
In open grasslands

Uses
Folkloric
Awn seeds damage hides, and may also injure the intestines by perforation.
The Sutos use this plant with Tribulus terestris in the treatment of rheumatism of the hands.
Others
Forage: A good forage grass; palatable to most livestock. Sharp awns will not develop if consistently grazed. If allowed to develop, the awn seeds will damage hides and cause injury to the intestines by perforation.
Ornamental: The interesting seedhead makes it a good candidate for ornamental use.

Availability
Wild-crafted.

Additional Sources and Suggested Readings
(1)
Tanglehead (Contortus) / Garden Guides