Classification
Class
Magnoliopsida Brongn.
Order
Poales Small
Family
Cyperaceae Juss.
Genus
Cyperus L.
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Cyperus ustulatus A.Rich. (1832)
Synonymy:
  • ≡ Mariscus ustulatus (A.Rich.) C.B.Clarke in Cheeseman, Man. New Zealand Fl. 766 (1906)
Vernacular Name(s):
Coastal cutty grass; Cyperus; Giant umbrella sedge; Toetoe; Toetoe upokotangata; Toetoe whatu-manu; Toetoe whatu-pākau; Upokotangata
 Description

Robust tufts, 0.6–1.2–(2) m high. Stems sharply 3-angled with very sharply scabrid leaves. Leaves and sheaths with evident minute transverse septa between veins. Involucral bracts many, much > inflorescence. Inflorescence usually a simple umbel; rays 6–12, unequal. Spikelets crowded at end of each ray into dense spikes ± 5 cm long. Glumes hard, shining, usually purple-brown.

[From: Healy and Edgar (1980) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 3.]

 Biostatus
Indigenous (Endemic)
 Phenology

Flowering: Nov.–Feb.; Fruiting: Feb.–Apr.

 Bibliography
Cheeseman, T.F. 1906: Manual of the New Zealand Flora. Government Printer, Wellington.
de Lange, P.J.; Rolfe, J.R.; Barkla J.W.; Courtney, S.P.; Champion, P.D.; Perrie, L.R.; Beadel, S.N.; Ford, K.A.; Breitwieser, I.; Schönberger, I.; Hindmarsh-Walls, R.; Heenan, P.B.; Ladley, K. 2018: Conservation status of New Zealand indigenous vascular plants, 2017. New Zealand Threat Classification Series. No. 22. [Not Threatened]
de Lange, P.J.; Rolfe, J.R.; Champion, P.D.; Courtney, S.P.; Heenan, P.B.; Barkla, J.W.; Cameron, E.K.; Norton, D.A.; Hitchmough, R.A. 2013: Conservation status of New Zealand indigenous vascular plants, 2012. New Zealand Threat Classification Series 3. Department of Conservation, Wellington. [Not Threatened]