Family
Cyperaceae

Synonyms
Lampocarya tenax Hook.f.; Cladium tenax (Hook.f.) Druce; Machaerina tenax (Hook.f.) Koyama

Distribution
North Is., South Is., Stewart Is. And Chatham Is. Common, except in far north and eastern side of South Island. Found in swamps, lake margins, estuarine and scrub areas.

Description
A dark green slender clumping sedge to 1 - 1.5 m high by 1 m wide - erect or arching. Leaves terete: {Round}, 1 - 2.5 mm thick and sharp pointed at tips. Flower heads are open and spider web like, 6-35 cm. Seed hang out from spikes on threads and are orange with black ends, this appearance giving it the common name of bumble bee sedge.

Cultivation
Will tolerate full sun or partial shade in exposed or sheltered spots. Will tolerate wet, dry, estuarine salty conditions with poor or rich soil. Will not tolerate root disturbance or division. A very attractive, fast growing and hardy plant which can be used in landscaping or revegetation.