Dense, compact, cushion-like perennial with non-woody base; stems to 12 cm long, glabrous. Leaves (2–)4–10(–12) mm long, (0.3–)0.4–0.7 mm wide, keeled, incurved, glabrous; apex apiculate; margin very narrow and scarious, minutely denticulate to undulate. Inflorescence a pedunculate pair of sessile (rarely subsessile) flowers; peduncle (0.9–)2–10(–16) mm long in fruit, glabrous; bracts glabrous; pedicels absent or rarely up to 0.3 mm long. Sepals 4, triangular-ovate, 0.4–0.7 mm long, 0.3–0.6 mm wide, overlapping at base, margin scarious, midrib keeled; stamens 1, level with or exserted beyond the calyx, long persistent. Fruit not ribbed, veins obscure, (1.2–)1.5–2.0(–2.3) mm long, 0.7–1.1 mm wide Flowers Oct.–Feb.