Carex libera (Kük.) Hamlin
Dingy reddish-green tufts to 25 cm high; rhizome short. Leaves concavo-convex, much > stems. Female spikes 2-4, sessile, close-packed, to 1 cm long, reddish-green to brownish. Utricles reddish-tipped. Stigmas 3.
S. Nelson; Canterbury - Arthur' s Pass; Westland National Park; Mt Aspiring National Park Montane to subalpine, usually on tarn margins.