Similar to C. squarrosus Cheeseman subsp. squarrosus in the channelled, inconspicuously bordered leaves, but differs in the greener flowers, more clearly apiculate sepals, and included to only shortly exserted stamens. Styles 1–2 mm long. Plant forming cushions to c. 25 cm diam. Leaf blade (3–)5–9(–11) mm long including an acicular tip (0.5–) 1(–1.9) mm long. Sepals 3–5 mm long, predominantly pale green with translucent or whitish margins, apex with an apiculus 0.2–0.5(-0.6) mm long. Stamens (2.3–)3.5(–5) mm long. Ovary green at flowering; styles 1–2 mm long. Peduncles (2.3–)3–11(–19) mm long at fruiting; bracteoles 3–5(–7.5) mm long with an apiculate to acicular tip (0.2–)0.5(–0.9) mm long.

Foliis canaliculatis et inconspicue marginatis C. squarroso Cheeseman subsp. squarroso similis, autem floribus pro parte maxima dilut e viridibus, sepalis manifestius apiculatis, staminibus inclusis ad solum breviter exsertis distinguenda. Styli 1–2 mm longi.