Rhizome slender, branching, emitting us. ∞ rather distant lf-rosettes, in open shingly places 1-2 cm. diam., each with 1 peduncle. Lvs glaucous, thinly coriac., sparsely hispid; lamina elliptic-to lanceolate-or ovate-spathulate, sessile or shortly petiolate, midrib prominent below; margins cartilaginous, white. Lvs of plants of arid places minute, c. 5 × 1-2 mm.; peduncles 3-4 cm. tall; fls drooping, c. 1 × 1 cm. Lvs of plants of less arid places c. 15-20 mm., including petiole = lamina; peduncles c. 10 cm. long, with fls 1·5 × 1·5 cm. Growing amongst tussocks or in sheltered places the plants may grow large, with peduncles up to 25 cm. tall, with a few small bracts; lvs glaucous to purplish, subentire; lamina 10-40 × 5-10 mm., elliptic to ovate, sub-acute, often apiculate--the slender stiff petiole may reach twice length lamina. Fls large, erect or inclined, up to 2*5-3 cm. In all cases the floral proportions are the same. Corolla sts with deeper-coloured veins. Calyx-lobes c. 1/2 length corolla-tube, linear, acuminate, 0·5-1 mm. wide. Capsule obconic, 8 × 4 mm. when well-developed.
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