Juncus acutus L.
Sharp Rush
Very stout, forming dense prickly tufts; rhizomes stout, woody. Stems (40) -60-100cm × 1.5-5 mm, very stiff and erect, smooth, light green. Basal sheaths shining dark red-brown. Leaves 1-2, basal, terete, similar to stem, with very pungent tip. Inflorescence large, compact 5-15 cm long. Flowers crowded. Tepals c. 3 mm long, ± equal, very hard, outer mucronate, inner truncate to emarginate with wide membranous margin at tip. Stamens 6. Capsule 4.5-5 mm long, much > tepals, ovoid, abruptly tapered, acute, reddish-brown to brownish-orange. Seeds with distinct tails.
N. North Auckland - Tokerau Beach, Kaeo, Taupo Bay, Whangaroa Inlet, Tinopai, Pouto, Piha Wellington - near Foxton, Ohau, Te Horo Beach near Otaki. Coastal saline flats. (Europe, Africa, Macronesia, N. and S. America)
First record: Allan 1924: 313-4.
First collection: "Occasional on sand dunes, Foxton" H. H. Allan, 11.2.1923 (AK 50706).
Recognised by the dense, robust, stiff, prickly clumps, large congested heads, large reddish-brown to brownish-orange capsules much > tepals, and long-tailed seeds.
Allan (Handbk Nat. Fl. N.Z.1940. 220) notes that J. acutus"Grows in company with J. maritimus var. australiensis and suspected hybrids have been observed." No specimens have been seen.
