Class
Order
Family
Genus
Large dense tufts; rhizome short. Stems 25–60 cm × 1–1.5–(2) mm, stiffly erect, wiry, dull grey-green, prominently ridged, pith interrupted. Basal sheaths glossy dark purple-brown to black. Inflorescence 3–7 cm long, branches spreading or more densely packed. Flowers evenly spaced. Tepals 2.5–4 mm long, outer slightly > inner, all acuminate. Stamens 6. Capsule 2.5–3.5 mm long, ± = or slightly > tepals, ovoid, tapered to distinctly mucronate top, dark purple-brown.
[From: Healy and Edgar (1980) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 3.]