Herbs perennial, usually less than 10 cm tall, drying ± black. Roots fleshy. Stems scarcely present to 2--4 cm, glabrous. Basal leaves numerous; petiole to 2.3 cm; leaf blade lanceolate-oblong to narrowly lanceolate, 1--2 cm X 3.5--7 mm, long pubescent along midvein when young, glabrescent, pinnatisect; segments 6--8 pairs, ovate to oblong, margin double dentate. Stem leaves usually pseudo-opposite, slightly smaller than basal leaves. Flowers few, axillary, pseudo-opposite or from basal leaves. Pedicel black, to 4 cm, glandular pubescent. Calyx 7--9 mm, 3/4 cleft anteriorly; lobes 3, unequal, posterior one spinescent and entire, lateral pair larger, incised-serrate. Corolla reddish purple; tube to 5 cm, pale purple pubescent; galea with auriculate protuberance near margin; beak semicircular, 6--7 mm; lower lip ca. 2 X 2.4 cm. Filaments pubescent. Fl. Jul--Aug, fr. Sep.
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