Prostrate - subprostrate, branched from base, glabrous - scaberulate, annual herb. Branches filiform, weak, ± angled, internodes longer than the leaves. Leaves sessile, coriaceous, 0.5-1.2 x 0.5-2 mm, linear, acute, entire with recurved margin, glabrous. Ochrea 1.5-3.0 cm long, ovate, membranous, lacerate-fringed, tubular usually longer than the internodes. Inflorescence axillary, solitary or 2 in each fascicle, usualy borne in the axil of upper leaves. Flowers c. 1.5 mm across, white or roseate, pedicel 0.5-1.0 mm. Ochreolae 0.5-1.0 mm long, ovate, lacerate. Perianth c. 2 mm long, 5-lobed, lobes equalling the tube, ovate, acute, entire, white rimmed, unequal. Stamens 5, filaments short, equal. Ovary, 1.0-1.5 x c. 0.5 mm, lanceolate-ovate, trigonous, with three short styles and capitate stigmas. Nuts 1.75-2.0 x 0.75-1.25 mm, ± included with in the perianth, ovate, striate, shining, dark brown.

Fl. Per.: June-September.

Type: Bagdad, Maio, 1835, Aucher-Eloy 2590 (P).

An Irano-Turanian element, fairly common in our area. Grows from 1000-4000 m among stones, rock crevices and shady places; Distribution: Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Caucasus (Georgia), Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Closely related to P. cashmirense but differes in having slightly longer perianth, coriaceous leaves and the nuts included within the perianth. In the latter species the perianth is smaller, leaves membranous and the nut exserted from the perianth.