Flora of New Zealand Series

Annual, very small tufts, 1.5-2 cm high, roots fibrous. Stems simple, with c. 2 basal and 2 cauline leaves, reddish. Leaves filiform, > or = stems, auricles absent; sheaths much wider than laminae, membranous except for light red midvein. Inflorescence usually 1-flowered, rarely 2-flowered. Tepals 4 only, 3-5 mm long. Stamens 2. Capsule c. 3 mm long, slightly < outer tepals, = inner tepals, oblong, obtuse, red-brown.

N. Wellington-Hokio Beach (L. B. Moore, 1947). S. Otago-Warrington. Sand dunes. (Europe, Asia).

First collection: Warrington, sand dunes, H. H. Allan, undated [1935-7] (CHR 3675).

First record: Allan 1940: 308, as J. ranarius Song. et Perrier.

J. ambiguus could be confused only with depauperate 1-2-flowered plants of J. bufonius in dry places, but the 4 tepals, 2 stamens, and capsule slightly < tepals are distinctive.