Shrub or undershrub, sparsely to much branched, up to 2(–3) m. high.. Branches 4-angled to terete, light to dark brown, densely leafy in the upper part, pubescent, later glabrescent, gradually with prominent leaf scars.. Leaves whorled or opposite, at first imbricate, later ± spreading; blade linear-lanceolate to ovate, (4–)6–15(–20) mm. long, 1.5–3(–6) mm. wide, acute to subacute, margins sometimes inrolled, coriaceous or subcoriaceous, glabrous, ciliate when young.. Flowers white, yellow or red.. Bracteoles linear to ovate-lanceolate, 2–5 mm. long, 0.5–1 mm. wide, ciliate.. Calyx-tube slender, glabrous, (5–)6–8(–14) mm. long; lobes lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, 1.5–4 mm. long, 1–1.5 mm. wide at the base, acute to obtuse, the 2 exterior with a small tuft of hairs at the tip.. Petals 8, terete, 0.5–1 mm. long, fleshy.. Anthers 0.5–1.2 mm. long, acute.. Ovary oblong, 1–1.5 mm. long, glabrous; disc minute; style up to 6 mm. long.. Seed ± 2 mm. long, ± 1 mm. wide.. Fig. 8.
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