- = Cyperus tenellus L.f. (1781)
- ≡ Isolepis tenella (L.f.) Muasya & D.A.Simpson in Muasya et al., Novon 16: 89-90 (2006) nom. illeg.
Small tufted annual, 2–10 cm high. Stems numerous, filiform. Leaves 1–2 basal, much > stems, setaceous; sheaths hyaline, mostly colourless but occasionally red-tinged at base. Inflorescence a solitary cluster of (1)–2–(5) comparatively large, digitate, very compressed spikelets varying from whitish-green to greenish-brown; lower subtending bract setaceous, < or > inflorescence, appearing as a continuation of the stem, occasionally a second setaceous bract or an upper spikelet with a short glume-like bract. Spikelets ± 3–8 × 2–3 mm, oblong to ovate-lanceolate. Glumes many, densely imbricate, ± 2 mm long, obtuse, distinctly nerved, margins occasionally brown-splotched, keel green, later brown, tip slightly spreading. Stamens 1 or 2. Style-branches 3. Nut slightly > ½ length of glume, ellipsoid, acutely triquetrous.
[From: Healy and Edgar (1980) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 3 as Cyperus tenellus L.f.]