Appressed tomentose annuals , 5-30 cm high, with erect primary stem of variable length and divergent branches, usually overtopping the main stem. Leaves oblong-spathulate, apiculate. Capitula c. 8-16 in dense, nearly globose glomerules, 9-12 mm in diameter. Involucre 6 mm long, in the upper half pyramidate and distinctly 5-angled; phyllaries 5-seriate, lanceolate, outer and median carinate, lanate on back, ending in a divergent yellowish arista 1-1.5 mm long, innermost glabrous, phyllaries slightly divergent at fruiting-time. Outer filiform, female florets without pappus in the axils of the phyllaries, in the centre 5-6 (-7) bisexual florets and a varying number of female ones. Cypselas 0.7-1 mm, smooth or thinly papillose, olive brown; pappus in the central florets c. 3 mm long, setae 12-16.

Fl.Per.:February-September.

Type: Spain, Loefling.

Distribution: Mediterranean region, SW and C Asia.