Plants c. 2–5 cm. high with lvs spreading to form a close mat rather than a stiff cushion. Stems densely packed. Lvs not obviously distichous; lamina 0.5–1 mm. wide, channelled at the base, abruptly widening to the upper flat portion, abaxial surface rich in stomata and only the median nerve prominent, adaxial surface having no stomata except occ. a few towards the extreme tip or very near to the margin, with 2 lateral nerves prominent and the median nerve occ. evident towards the tip; sheath c. twice width of lamina, 5–7-nerved, without conspicuous auricles. Mature peduncle < = or rarely > lvs, bearing (1)–2–(3) spikelets. Glumes 3, ± equal, keel stiff and green, sides pale and membr. often tinged with red. Hypog. scales slightly > or = nut, very narrow-linear, white or pale brown. Stamens 3, occ. 2. Nut slightly > 1 mm. long, c. 1 mm. broad, almost flat at the tip with a large depression, obovoid, shortly but distinctly stipitate, light grey.
[From: Moore and Edgar (1970) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 2.]