Kyllinga melanosperma is a species of sedge, covered with dark brown scales that culm together to form rhizomes that are about 30–100 centimetres (12–39 in) long. The rhizomes are 2.5–4.0 millimetres (0.10–0.16 in) thick with a purple-brown sheath at the bottom. Kyllinga melanosperma is found in tropical Africa, southern and southeastern Asia. Kyllinga melanosperma propagates by seed.