Description:Densely and firmly mat or hummock-forming, to 30cm or more across in the wild. Leaves linear, about 5mm long, rigid and pointed, closely overlapping; Herbs perennial. Roots robust, woody. Stems clustered, pulvinate
Habitat:Alpine meadows, stony slopes, gravelly sands along rivers; 4200--5200 m; at 4300-6180m. Recorded as the highest known flowering plant on Mt. Everest
| Form of cushion | F_M | Intermediate beetween F & M types |
| Compactness | 1 | Compact, hard (peat-accumulating) |
| Variability | 0_1 | Intermediate |
| Root system | NA | NA |
| Woodiness | 1 | Woody at base |
| Thorniness | 1 | Yes |
| Succulence | 0 | No |
| Flowers | 0 | Flowers sessil |