Flora of New Zealand Series

Fig. 17

Tightly packed clumps; rhizome short. Stems 60-200 cm × (1) -2-3 mm, wiry, bright green, smooth, shining, pith usually interrupted. Inflorescence very variable, few- to many-flowered, open and branched or a compact head. Stamens 3. Capsule 1.5-2- (2.3) mm long, usually < tepals.

K., N., S., St., Ch. Very common throughout in damp ground. (Australia)

J. gregiflorus is variable in clump diameter, stem height and type of head and is confused with several spp. It differs from J. distegus and J. pauciflorus in having capsules usually < tepals, and from J. sarophorus and J. amabilis in its bright green smooth stems (not glaucous and ridged). J. gregiflorus has more wiry stems than J. effusus and its lower inflorescence branches are erect.

The most widely occurring and abundant of the indigenous leafless spp. A troublesome weed of damp pastures; sometimes grazed. Formerly well-grown material of this sp. proved the most durable and satisfactory for thatching.