Plants annual, sometimes overwintering and biennial, with minute, shortened, tuberous bodies; periderm absent. Stems 1-10 cm. Leaves: basal leaves in flattened to suberect rosettes, 0.5-6 cm, blade with strong red pigmentation even in juvenile plants, narrowly rhombic to ovate, spatulate, or trullate, 0.5-1.5 × 0.5-1 cm, apex obtuse; cauline leaves distinct or connate on 1 side or perfoliate, sessile, blade ovate. Inflorescences 1-bracteate; bract leaflike, 0.5-15 mm. Flowers 2-5 mm diam.; sepals 1.5-2.5 mm; petals 2-3 mm, pinkish white to white; ovules 3. Seeds 2-3 mm diam., shiny and smooth; elaiosome 1-2 mm. 2n = 12, 24, 36.
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