Juncus capitatus Weigel

Annual, dwarf, tufted, reddish-tinged, 2.5–9–(15) cm high; roots fibrous, plant readily pulled from soil. Leaves all basal, very short, setaceous. Inflorescence small, terminal, a single 3–8-flowered cluster with occasionally 1–2 lateral clusters, subtended by a longer bract. Tepals to 5 mm long, outer long-acuminate, much > inner. Stamens 4, or variable 3–5. Capsule 3–5 mm long, reddish, < tepals, shortly beaked, light green tinged with red at top.

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