Flora of New Zealand Series

Dense harshly scabrid tussocks to 1.2 m high. Inflorescence a narrow panicle 10-26 cm long with stiff erect branches. Spikes numerous, sessile, light grey- or yellow-brown, male flowers at top. Utricles greyish-brown, nerved. Stigmas 2.

N., S., St. Ch. Swampy ground; sea-level to montane.

The inflorescence of C. virgata is an erect, narrowly branched panicle in contrast to the drooping, loosely branched panicle of C. secta.

Large plants often prove a nuisance in development of swampy land: in some localities, plants establish along banks of drains and water races, no doubt originating from water-borne seed.