Description:cespitose, cushion-forming perennials, caudices woody, covered by leaves of previous years
Habitat:unstabilized, fine sandy soil, rock crevices (ssp columbiana) or rass páramo (ssp ecuadoriana)
| Form of cushion | C | Hemispherical (dome shaped) cushion |
| Compactness | 1 | Compact, hard (peat-accumulating) |
| Variability | 0 | No variability |
| Root system | P | Single pivotal root |
| Woodiness | 1 | Woody at base |
| Thorniness | 0 | No |
| Succulence | 0 | No |
| Flowers | 1 | Short peduncle |