Dioicous, large, brownish green-brown-reddish brown, frequently growing in large cushions on stones and cliffs. Stem 3-4(-10) cm long, dark-coloured, ± branched, with innovations from below the sterile perianths. Apex somewhat incurved. Leaves imbricate, obliquely inserted, almost round, somewhat concave, entire, decurrent on the dorsal face of the stem, oppressed and touching the opposite leaf dorsally, margin of the apex often recurved in the leaves below the female organ. Marginal cells 14-18 µ, in a distinct row, frequently coloured darker, interior cells 20-26 x 28-30 µ, basal cells to 27 x 50 µ, trigones large, nodose. Cuticle roughly papillose. Oil bodies 4-6 per cell, globose, 6-8 µ, yellow, homogeneous. Amphigastria ephemeric, small. Female organ apical, bracts in two pairs, interior pair deeply laciniate. Bracteole ovate, lacinulate in varying fashion. Perianth to 1/2 exceeding the bracts, in the distal portion multi-plicate, mouth contracted, subentire. Androecia terminal or intercalary, with 4-5 pairs of concave bracts, antheridia single, with a long stalk.
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