Culms numerous, somewhat woody, 0.15-2.0 m, 1-2 mm diameter, yellow-green to bronze-green, densely packed on rhizome, rush-like, rigid and erect (sometimes in lush specimens with upper third curving over), terete or slightly compressed, finely striated when dry. Leaves reduced to 3-6 basal sheaths, the uppermost 50-130 mm long, brown or red-brown.

Mostly coastal but occasional extending into montane area (up to 700 m a.s.l.). In a wide range of habitats but favouring open situations - commonly on sand, especially on sand dunes, sandy beaches and at the back of estuaries. Sometimes colonising sandstone, limestone of volcanic rock outcrops in lowland forest. Rarely in tussock grassland.

Uses sun's energy for photosynthesis.

White flowers September to December, fruits November to May.

Indigenous. Kermadec, Three Kings, North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands. Widespread in the southern Hemisphere

http://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora_details.aspx?ID=2133 accessed 13/02/14