Stout tufted herb with strict, rigid, coriac. lvs; lf-sheaths densely imbricate around stems. Lamina (15)–20–30–(50) × 1–2–(3) cm., linear-lanceolate, acuminate, subpungent; upper surface glab., with a stout pair of ribs (sts doubled) parallel to rather obscure midrib (sts with a further pair ± developed); lower surface completely clad in closely appressed white satiny tomentum, midrib and lateral pair evident; margins ± recurved, gradually narrowed to sheath or with very short petiole; sheath (4)–5–8 cm. long, coriac., finely grooved, midrib prominent, both surfaces clad in deciduous white satiny tomentum. Scape ± 2–5 dm. long, stout, clad in dense floccose hairs; bracts narrow-linear; lower with lamina up to c. 8 cm. long. Capitula 3–4 cm. diam.; phyll. linear-subulate, acuminate, up to c. 17 mm. long, pale brown, ± floccose-hairy on back, glab. within, midrib evident. Ray-florets ± 17–20 mm. long, tube narrow-cylindric, limb narrow-oblong. Disk-florets 6–7 mm. long, tubular, teeth minute. Achenes cylindric, grooved, 2–3 mm. long, with minute stiff white hairs on ribs. Pappus-hairs up to c. 7 mm. long, slender, minutely barbellate.
[From: Allan (1961) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 1.]