Flora of New Zealand Series

Stiff dark green tufts to c. 60 cm high, dark red-purple at base. Female spikes c. 5, upper close-set, lower distant, drooping, to 8.5 cm × 4 mm, bright red-purple. Stigmas 3.

N. From Kaitaia southwards to Waikato; scattered further south. S. N.W. Nelson - local. Lowland in shade.