Flora of New Zealand Series

Loose open clumps; rhizome long. Stems 60-120 cm × (1.5) -2-4 mm dull grey-green to blue-green, ridged, pith almost lacking. Inflorescence very variable, much-branched or a compact head. Stamens usually 3. Capsule 2.3-3 mm long, ± = tepals.

N., S. Throughout in damp places but not common in south of South Id. (Australia)

J. australis is variable, but is characterised by loose open clumps and medium-thick blue- to grey-green ridged stems with pith ± lacking (a pocket-knife blade will make a clicking noise as it passes through the hardened pith remnants on the inner walls of the stem). Although J. australis resembles J. sarophorus and J. amabilis in stem colour, it is much less densely clumped than either, and it has rounded heads, not fan-shaped as in J. sarophorus, and stouter stems and paler brown capsules than J. amabilis.

One of, if not the most troublesome of the leafless pasture rushes, rarely grazed, and then only by cattle. J. australis forms large open colonies which make grubbing difficult.