Dense, compact, cushion-like perennial with non-woody base; stems to 24 cm long, usually papillose and hairy, rarely glabrous. Leaves fascicled, (2–)4–6(–8) mm long, 0.4–0.6(–0.7) mm wide, keeled, incurved, glabrous, apex apiculate, margin very narrow, scarious and basally papillose. Inflorescence a pedunculate sessile to subsessile flower; peduncle 1.5–14(–18) mm long, papillose and usually glabrous; bracts basally papillose and glabrous; pedicels absent or obscure, up to 0.3(–0.5) mm long. Sepals 5, triangular-ovate, 0.5–0.9 mm long, 0.3–0.7 mm wide, overlapping at base, margin scarious, midrib keeled; stamens 1, enclosed within the calyx, caducous. Fruit not ribbed, veins obscure, 1.7–2.2 mm long, (0.8–)1.0–1.3 mm wide. Flowers Jan.–Feb.
HNF, VAlp. Also NSW. New Guinea. In alpine and subalpine herbfields and tussock grasslands, usually above 1600 m.
