Cryptotaeniopsis leptophylla Dunn, J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 35: 495. 1903; C. viridis C. Norman; Pternopetalum confusum C. Norman; P. viride (C. Norman) Handel-Mazzetti.

Plants 10–30 cm. Stems 1–3, usually unbranched or occasionally of a single branch. Basal leaves petiolate, petioles 4–16 cm; blade ovate-acuminate in outline, 3–8 × 1.5–7 cm, 2-pinnate/pinnatifid; ultimate segments ovate-lanceolate, 5–15 × 3–5 mm. Cauline leaves similar to basal. Umbels 2–3 cm across in flower, to 4 cm in fruit; bracts absent; rays 6–25, 1–2 cm; bracteoles 2–4, 1–1.5 mm; umbellules 2–4-flowered; pedicels 0.5–3 mm. Calyx teeth minute, triangular, ca. 0.1 mm. Petals white, apex not inflexed. Stylopodium low-conic; styles ca. 0.4 mm, shorter than stylopodium, reflexed. Fruit oblong-ovoid, ca. 2 × 1 mm; ribs filiform; vittae 1 in each furrow, 2 on commissure. Fl. and fr. Apr–Aug.

This poorly known taxon is recorded only from a few collections. It has reputed medicinal value.

Shady moist rocks; 1000–1800 m. Sichuan.