Flora of New Zealand Series

Stems 15-35-(60) cm high, 1.5-3 mm diam. Infl. not branched. Stamens 4-5. Fr. glabrous, with 12-55 spines.

N.: N. Auckland (doubtfully recorded from Kaitaia), Hauraki Gulf, S. Auckland (Auckland City, Taupo), Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay, and scattered from Taupo to Wellington; S.: Nelson (Motupiko), scattered from Marlborough Sounds to Canterbury Plains and inland Canterbury, C. Otago (locally abundant), Dunedin and E. Otago, Southland (east of Manapouri).

Australia 1871

Short grassland and riverbeds up to 800 m.

This is considered by Orchard to be taxonomically equivalent to A. ovina subsp. nanella Bitter which was described from specimens collected from "Canterbury Plains, old river bed of Waimakariri". The sp. was first recorded in N.Z. as A. ovina.