Flora of New Zealand Series

Shoots spaced singly and evenly along far-extending rhizomes. Stems hidden by leaf-sheaths. Leaves to 8 cm long. Inflorescence a pale green compact ovate head 4-8 mm long. Spikes 2-3, approximate, sessile, male flowers at base. Stigmas 2.

N. Wellington - Manurewa Point, and near Cape Palliser. S. Marlborough; Canterbury; N. and Central Otago. Coastal on sand; inland usually in short-tussock grassland or in dry depleted pasture; sea-level to alpine.

Naturally occurring in short-tussock grassland; ± circular patches and larger sward-like areas of this sp. are increasing in low density sown grassland on flats in parts of Central Otago, and in lucerne crops in non-irrigated parts of Maniototo County, associated with a range of short-lived adventive annuals - Amsinckia calycina, Aphanes microcarpa, Hordeum glaucum, and Myosotis stricta.