改则雪灵芝 gai ze xue ling zhi

Herbs perennial. Principal roots robust, woody. Stems clustered, pulvinate, 2--5 cm, with crowded, withered, persistent leaves at woody base. Leaf blade linear, triangular in cross section, 6--10 × ca. 1 mm, subleathery, veins raised abaxially, impressed adaxially, base broadened, clasping, margin with small teeth, apex acute, awned. Flower solitary, terminal; bracts ovate-lanceolate, 2--3 × ca. 1.5 mm, 1-veined, margin membranous, apex acute. Pedicel ca. 1 mm. Sepals 5, lanceolate, 5--6 × 1.5--2 mm, subleathery, 3-veined, midvein raised, lateral veins inconspicuous, base ciliate, apex greenish brown. Petals 5, white, saccate, 8--10 × 2--3 mm. Stamens 10; filaments opposite sepals with a gland at base. Ovary narrowly ovoid, ca. 4 × 1.5 mm, apex yellow-brown. Styles 3, linear. Fl. Jun--Jul.

* Alpine meadows; 4500--4700 m. NW Xizang (Ngari Diqu).