Diffuse undershrub or shrub, pale, much branched, almost leafless, 25-60 cm tall, with woody stem; shoots ± ascending rigid, light coloured to white or waxy yellowish when dried. Leaves reduced to minute, short-triangular scales, connate into a short cup, membranous at margins, woolly within. Inflorescence consisting of short, 3-6 cm long, scattered spikes, mostly at the ends of pale greenish , main or lateral shoots of the current season. Bracteoles 2, ovate-concave, woolly at base. Stamens alternating with linear ovate staminodes, papillose at tips; styles short, stigmas 2, strongly papillose on inner side. Fruiting perianth including wings usually 7-8 mm across, somewhat brownish.