2n = 12

Small, turf-forming plants with numerous very slender, often short rhizomes. Leaves (2)-3-5-(7) cm × < 1)—1.5—2 mm, narrowed to c. 0.3 mm wide for a short distance below the obtuse tip, usually reddish green, margins thickened, moderately hairy, not papillose. Flowering stems 0.5-1.5 mm long, hidden among leaves and usually scarcely elongating as fruit matures. Inflorescence a very inconspicuous 2-10-flowered single cluster or very shortly branched with 1-3 small lateral flower clusters. Flowers (1.5)-2-2.5 mm long. Tepals ± equal, all acuminate, with broad silvery or cream membranous margins and conspicuous red-brown centre stripe. Stamens 6; anthers 0.4-0.6 mm long. Capsule slightly longer than tepals, light creamy brown or light red-brown, shining, smooth. Seed 1-1.5 mm long; caruncle c. 1/3 length of seed. Flowering time: August- October.

Herba demissa rhizomatibus tenuibus instructa. Folia plerumque rufo-viridia, marginibus sparse villosis. Caules brevissimi, inter folia occulti maturi vix elongati. Inflorescentia valde inconspicua. Flores parvi, tepalis membranaceis albidis, virga mediali rufa. Stamina sex, antheris brevibus. Capsula tepalis paullo longior. Caruncula seminis conspicua.

Turf-forming, to ± 5 cm high with numerous slender short rhizomes and stolons. Leaves moderately hairy, usually reddish-green. Flowering stems sunk among leaves, scarcely elongating in fruit. Flowers 2-2.5 mm long. Stamens 6. Seeds with long caruncle.