Annual, subglabrous or somewhat pulverulent, 25-60 cm. Stems erect, simple or diffusely branched, slender, indurated at base. Leaves 0.8-2 x 0.1 cm., fleshy, more or less terete-subulate, ending in a short, caducous bristle. Clusters axillary, 3-5-flowered, forming rather long and loose spike-like inflorescences. Bracts leaf-like, usually longer than flowers, more or less lanceolate; bracteoles shorter than flowers, membranous. Flowers hermaphrodite. Perianth segments about 2-3 mm., fleshy, ovate, obtuse, appressed to the fruit. Seeds horizontal or vertical, lenticular, black and brown, shining. Fl. June-October.