Schoenus nitens (R.Br.) Roem. & Schult. var. nitens
Type locality: Australian. Type: BM. Recorded also from New Guinea.
Culms (1)–5–25–(40) cm. long, slightly > 0.5 mm. diam. Lvs < culms. Infl. of (2)–4–∞ spikelets. Spikelets (2)–3–4–(5) mm. long. Glumes obtuse, bright chestnut-brown with green median nerve. Nut c. 1.5 mm. long, light grey-brown to red-brown.
DIST.: N. On west coast south from lat. 36º30' and on east coast in Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa. S. Cape Farewell, Nelson. Ch.
Coastal in brackish swamps at river mouths and in dune hollows.