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5. Scirpus (Isolepis) crassiusculus, Hook. f.
(Benth., Flora Australiensis, vol. vii., p. 326.)
Rhizome apparently elongated, branched, rooting at the nodes. Leaves very narrow linear, almost filiform, 1½–2 inches long. Stems about 3 inches long. Spikelet solitary, terminal, pale brownish-green, ovate, rather more than ⅓ inch long, many-flowered. Glumes ovate, obtuse, striate, herbaceous, with a green centre and purplish-brown margins. Stamens 3. Stylebranches 2. Nut greyish-white, very nearly orbicular, but slightly broader above and produced into a short point, much flattened, centre biconvex, then becoming thinner, margin thickened all round.
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Hab. Swamps in the Rangipo desert, eastern base of Ruapehu; Mr. H. Tryon.
Of this plant I have only received three small specimens. So far as these go, they correspond exactly with the description and plate in the Flora of Tasmania, and with Bentham's description in the Flora Australiensis; and at present I have no reason whatever to doubt the identification. A full series of specimens will be required, however, before the matter can be absolutely settled. The species is more nearly allied to S. fluitans than to any other of our New Zealand forms, but differs in being stouter, apparently not so much branched, and in the very much larger spikelet. Mr. Tryon informs me that it is not uncommon in ferruginous swamps in the Rangipo desert, associated with Scirpus cartilagineus, Pratia angulata, Drosera arcturi and D. spathulata, Gunnera prorepens?, and Utricularia monanthos.