Leaves opposite or alternate, rarely sub–3-nate, mostly sessile, somewhat fleshy; leaf-lamina 5–15(20) x 0·5–5 (7) mm., linear, linear-oblong, ovate, elliptic or obovate, rounded at the apex, ± cuneate at base or narrowing into a short petiole, margins entire or 1–4-dentate towards the apex.
Calyx-tube slightly constricted at the apex, c. 0·3 mm. long, with 8 smooth or 3–4-mamillate longitudinal ribs and ± distinct nerves alternating with the ribs; calyx-lobes c. 0–2 mm. long, narrowly triangular, acute.
Suffrutescent usually decumbent or ± erect herb up to 30 cm. tall, or trailing and sometimes forming mats; stems ± branched, often reddish, densely pubescent-villous to entirely glabrous.
Nutlets up to 0·9 x 0·6 mm., barrel-shaped, reddish-brown, with 8 smooth or (2)3–4-tuberculate longitudinal ribs often confluent in pairs, tubercules whitish, glabrous to villous.
Fascicles of 7–11 (15) flowers, of which the central one is hermaphrodite and has a filiform pedicel 0·3–1·8 mm. long and the others are female and sessile or almost so.
Petals 4, 0·8–1·2 mm. long, oblong, slightly cucullate, absent in female.
Stamens 4, oppositisepalous; anthers linear; filaments filiform.
Styles short; stigmas capitate, papillose.