Flora of New Zealand Series

Very dense, dingy-red tufts to 7 cm high; rhizome short. Leaves narrow, plano-convex, much > stems. Inflorescence a short dense head of 3-4, sessile, crowded, light brown spikes ± 5 mm long, hidden among leaves. Utricles light red-brown, distinctly beaked. Stigmas 3.

N. Mt Hauhungatahi (Volcanic Plateau). S. Nelson - Tableland (N.W. Nelson); Marlborough - hill flanking Wairau Valley; Canterbury - Hakatere Station, south branch of Ashburton River; Otago - Cardrona and Nevis Valleys.