Shrublets, dwarf. Branches many, thick. Leaves crowded at branch apices, in a rosette. Inflorescences axillary; spikes terminal and axillary or only terminal, densely arranged into 4--11 spikelets; lateral spikes almost sessile; bracts longer than first bractlet, margin broadly membranous and wider than herbaceous part, apex rigidly and thickly cuspidate; each flower subtended by a bractlet; first bractlet similar to bracts but slightly shorter. Calyx subtubular; tube upright basally, indistinctly herbaceous along ribs, membranous between ribs; limb scarious and narrowly campanulate, lobes erect. Corolla basally connate, petals patent. Stamens slightly adnate to corolla base. Ovary linear cylindrical, apex attenuate. Style 5, free, basal half verrucose; stigmas depressed capitate. Capsules linear-oblong.

Monospecific: China and Kazakhstan.