Amperea xiphoclada var. xiphoclada

Erect subshrub 20–90 cm high, usually dioecious, rarely monoecious (at least in Victoria); stems rigid, angular, sometimes more or less leafless. Leaves when present alternate, sessile; lower leaves cuneate-oblong, 5–15 mm long, often toothed, margins revolute; upper leaves linear, to c. 10 mm long, scale-like, entire; stipules deeply fringed, reddish-brown. Flowers few per cluster; bracts ovate, 1–2 mm long, fringed. Male flowers with calyx c. 2 mm long, 4- or 5-lobed; stamens 6–9, free. Female flowers with calyx c. 3 mm long, 5-lobed; ovary glabrous; styles short, red-brown, papillate. Capsule 2–4 mm long; seeds ovoid, 1.5–2.5 mm long, rugulose, shiny, black. Flowers mainly Sep.–Dec. (but spasmodic throughout the year).