Erect, wiry shrub to 0.5–1.5 m high, rarely more; young stems pubescent. Leaves alternate, linear-lanceolate to oblong, crowded, more or less appressed to stems, 1–4 mm long, 0.75–1 mm wide, obtuse, pubescent when young, becoming glabrous; apex recurved; margins entire; petiole to c. 0.5 mm long. Flowers pink to purple, sessile, in terminal head-like clusters; floral bracts acute, villous; hypanthium glabrous or villous; sepals brownish, triangular, c. 1 mm long; petals orbicular, 1.5–2.5 mm diam.; filaments pink or purple, 2–4 mm long, anthers creamy-yellow; style 2.5–5 mm long; ovary 3-celled. Fruit c. 2 mm long, c. 2–2.5 mm diam., not woody, dehiscent by terminal valves. Flowers Oct.–Dec.