Taproot deep and thickened. Plant 20-50 cm. Stems numerous, leafless at the base and densely leafy in the upper part. Leaves clustered at the branch tips, rhombic, obovate-lanceolate, tough, about 4 cm x 1.5 cm, evergreen. Inflorescences 10-16, with light green and reddish bracts. V - throughout the year. Fl - March in the wild. Fr - April. P - by seed and cuttings. The evergreen foliage may be damaged in cold winters. Drought-resistant. Can grow without watering for a long period. Requires a sunny position. Z 6. New.

Central Asia (mountains of Turkmenia) and Iran. Dry rocky slopes, gravelly and clay soils.