Erect, variable, grey-mealy annual herb to c. 1.2 m high. Stems streaked grey and green. Leaves narrowly ovate to broadly trullate, c. 2–6 cm long, 0.5–5 cm wide, at least the lower petiolate, margins entire, toothed or irregularly lobed. Flowers bisexual and female, in small clusters, distinct or continuous within a slender panicle; tepals 5, mealy on outer surface, shortly united at base; stamens 5; pericarp thinly membranous, easily removed from seed. Seed horizontal, red-brown, 1–1.3 mm diam., obtuse around equator, remaining enclosed by perianth at maturity. Flowers mostly Jan.–May.