Erect or ascending perennial herb 10–25 cm tall. Stems wiry, reddish, densely appressed-pubescent. Leaves decussate, sessile or on petiole to 1 mm long, lanceolate to lanceolate-ovate, almost glabrous; lamina 5–10 mm long; margins thickened, serrate with 2–4 minute teeth. Bracts decussate, sometimes alternate above, ovate, 2–3 mm long, entire; bracteoles narrowly lanceolate, 0.9 mm long, entire, brown. Flowers 4-merous, sessile. Sepals narrowly deltoid, 0.7–0.8 mm long, greenish; margins slightly thickened; weak basal callus. Petals 2.2–2.5 mm long, red. Stamens 8; anthers 1.8–2 mm long. Ovary 8-ribbed, smooth between ribs, glabrous, reddish grey. Fruit 1–1.3 mm long, silvery, reddish grey or purple, usually with a metallic sheen.
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