Perennial with thick root. Flowering stems erect, glabrous or hairy near base, branching, (30)–40–100 cm tall. Lvs narrow-lanceolate to linear-lanceolate, acute to acuminate, glabrous, glaucous, (10)–20–50 × 1–5 mm. Infl. a large, dichasial panicle with > 100 fls. Bracts deltoid, acute to acuminate, glabrous; margins scarious. Calyx widely bell-shaped, glabrous, 1.5–2 mm long, divided to c. 1/2 way; teeth ovate, rounded with broad scarious margins. Petals white or pink, = or slightly > calyx, entire or truncate. Styles exserted, spreading. Capsule globose, slightly > calyx. Seeds 1–1.5 × 1–1.5 mm, warty.
[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]
Flowering: Jan.–Mar.; Fruiting: Jan.–Mar.