- ≡ Scirpus crassiusculus (Hook.f.) Benth., Fl. Austral. 7, 326 (1878)
- = Scirpus pseudo-fluitans Makino (1905)
- ≡ Scirpus fluitans subsp. pseudo-fluitans (Makino) T.Koyama (1958)
Rhizome much elongated, branched and rooting at the nodes. Culms (2)–4–8–(15) cm. long, slightly < 1 mm. diam., rigid, erect, us. lfy. Lvs 4–6 cm. long, slightly < 1 mm. wide, <, = or > culms, narrow-linear, lamina flattened, tip subobtuse; lowermost lf on branch bract-like with pale membr. sheath to 4 mm. wide. Infl. a solitary spikelet, or very rarely 2, terminal and appearing so, pale green, flecked with red; subtending bract 0. Spikelets (3)–5.5–6.5–(8) × (2)–3–5 mm., oblong or ovoid. Glumes 2–4 mm. long, broadly ovate, obtuse, finely nerved, green at the centre, red-purple towards the margins. Hypog. bristles 0. Stamens 3. Style-branches 2. Nut c. 1.5 × 1 mm., obovate, much compressed, margins slightly thickened, minutely apiculate, grey.
[From: Moore and Edgar (1970) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 2 as Scirpus crassiusculus (Hook.f.) Benth.]