L. tenuis is a stiff, tufted grass, with thin (0.3-0.9mm diameter), inrolled leaf-blades, 2–12cm in length. Spikelets contain a single floret with hairless lemmas and geniculate awns.[1][2][3]
L. tenuis is easily separated from most New ZealandLachnagrostis by its hairless lemmas and geniculate awns, which rules out all other species but L. billardierei. From this species, it can be distinguished by its stiff, inrolled leaves, and short spikelets (3-5mm long, versus 4-5-6mm long).[4]
One possible record was collected from the Auckland Islands, but is generally considered doughtful, and is not included in the Flora.[3]
Habitat
Coastal, on slopes, as well as salt marsh and tidal flats.[3] It prefers slightly vegetated, raised, sandy ground, and is often associated with Selliera radicans.[1]
Threats
L. tenuis is a local endemic, threatened by grazing and competition with exotic salt marsh grasses, such as Agrostis stolonifera and Elymus sp.[1]
It is designated as Threataned - Nationally Vulnerable. It was given the qualifiers CI (Climate Impact), DPR (Data Poor Recognition), EF (Extreme Fluctuations), and RR (Range Restricted).[5]
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