Flora of New Zealand Series

Slender tufts to 25 cm high; rhizome far-extending. Leaves < stems. Inflorescence relatively large, ± drooping on a very slender stem, an ovate cluster of 1-4 chestnut-brown sessile spikes, ± 1 cm long, with much longer green filiform bract. Male flowers at base of spikes. Stigmas 2.

N. Volcanic Plateau; Hawkes Bay; Wairarapa. S. Widespread but not known from Westland or Fiordland. Lowland to subalpine short-tussock grassland.

A common element is short-tussock grassland, with patch-forming habit and narrow grassy leaves; not always recognised as a sedge if the slender inclined stems with relatively large, clustered chestnut-brown heads are not present. It sometimes persists from pieces of woody rhizome, left after cultivation.