Flora of New Zealand Series

Fig. 18

Variable perennial grass-like tufts. Stems (2) -7-60- (80) cm high. Leaves < stems, to 8 mm wide, flat. Inflorescence umbel-like with flowers crowded in globose clusters at ends of branches; subtending bract < inflorescence. Stamens usually 3. Capsule c. 2. mm long, ± = tepals, ovoid, mucronate, red brown.

N., S., St., Ch. Lowland, moist places. (S. America, Hawaii, Australia)

Can be confused with J. caespiticius in the vegetative state, but differs in the flat, not channelled leaves. The open umbellate heads - with flower-clusters sometimes proliferous or replaced by masses of a powdery grey or bluish smut, Sorosporium piluliformis - are amply distinct from the compact globose heads of J. caespiticius. Sometimes confused with Luzula spp., but lacks the hairy leaves.

In higher rainfall districts often a common volunteer on shaded cutting banks or about springs or seepages: a nuisance along banks of ditches and in road verge water channels at base of roadside banks.

Proliferous fruiting heads have also been recorded on plants of J. plainfolius naturalised in Ireland (Scannell Watsonia 11, 1976, 182).