Flora of New Zealand Series

Loose tufts to ±40 cm high. Stems ±stout, 3-angled, scabrid on angles below inflorescence. Leaves < stems, ± 2 mm wide; sheaths light brown. Inflorescence 1.5-4 cm long, of 3-6 somewhat separated, ovoid, greenish or greenish-brown sessile spikes; one or two lower spikes with a setaceous bract < inflorescence. Spikes androgynous, male flowers at base. Glumes shorter and much narrower than utricles, obtuse or subacute, hyaline with green midrib. Utricles ± 3.5 × 2 mm, flat, widely winged, minutely scabrid on margins of upper half, broadly obovate, widest just above nut, faintly to strongly few- to many-nerved on each face, sessile, rounded at base, ± abruptly contracted to a beak 0.5-1 mm long. Stigmas 2. Nut oblong, yellowish-brown.

N. North Auckland - Lake Waiparera, Kaitaia, Hikurangi. (N. America, West Indies)

First record: ‡

First collection: Otakairangi swamp, Hikurangi, R. Cooper, R. Mason and N. Moar, 4.12.1949 (AK 35898a).