Flora of New Zealand Series

Flaccid, narrow-leaved grass-like tufts of variable size from 6-30 cm high; rhizome far-extending. Inflorescence of 3-5 small, very dark brown, ± approximate sessile spikes. Utricle-beak minute. Stigmas 2.

N. Scattered; common in Waikato; not known from Taranaki. S. Throughout. Boggy ground, sea-level to alpine. (Australia, New Guinea)

C. gaudichaudiana, C. sinclairii and C. subdola differ from other native N.Z. spp. in having the following combination of characters - utricles scarcely beaked, 2 stigmas, and spikes borne singly on the stem.