Much-branched perennial herb, 20-50 em, spreading or decumbent-erect. Leaves broadly ovate to narrowly elliptic, to 7 cm. Inflorescences appear ing as 2 lateral clusters to 1 cm in length at each leaf axil. Bracts mostly ovate to triangular-ovate, free or shortly connate round flower base. Male and hermaphrodite flowers similar, perianth of hermaphrodite flowers cylindricalaccrescent to c. 3.5 mm. Female flowers scarcely exceeding bracts, perianth segments somewhat indurate in fruit and connivent, 2-2.25 mm, narrowly lanceolate, subaristate with confluent brown midrib and borders. Fl. 4-8. Limestone cliffs, rocks, mouths of caves, walls, s.l.-2000 m.

S. & W. Europe, N. Africa, W. & C. Asia.