Perennial herb, erect or ascending, 10–25 cm tall; stems reddish, wiry, densely pubescent, hairs appressed. Leaves opposite, lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, 5–10 mm long, 1–3 mm wide, virtually glabrous, margins thickened, with 2–4 minute teeth; petiole to 1 mm long; bracts opposite, sometimes becoming alternate above, ovate, 2–3 mm long, margins entire; bracteoles narrow-lanceolate, c. 1 mm long, brown, margins entire. Flowers sessile; sepals 0.7–0.8 mm long, margins slightly thickened, basal callus weak; petals red, 2.2–2.5 mm long; stamens 8, anthers 1.8–2 mm long; ovary ovoid, c. 1 mm long, reddish-grey, 8-ribbed, smooth between ribs, glabrous. Fruit 1–1.3 mm long, silver to purplish, usually with a metallic sheen. Flowers Dec.–Feb.
HSF, HNF, MonT, HFE, VAlp. Also Tas. In Victoria, known with certainty only from near Bidwell on the upper reaches of the Delegate River, and near Omeo on the Cobungra River and the Upper Livingstone Creek.
