Arenaria kansuensis var. acropetala Y. W. Tsui & L. H. Zhou.

Herbs perennial. Principal roots robust, woody. Stems pulvinate, 4--5 cm, with withered, persistent leaves at base. Leaves congested; leaf blade spinose-linear, triangular in cross section, 1--2 cm × ca. 1 mm, hardened, veins raised abaxially, impressed adaxially, base slightly broadened, clasping, margin slightly reflexed, narrowly membranous, with small teeth near base, apex acute, aristate. Flower solitary, terminal; bracts lanceolate, 3--5 × 1--1.5 mm, 1-veined, base forming a short sheath, margin broadly membranous, apex acute. Pedicel 2.5--4 mm, glandular villous. Sepals 5, lanceolate, 5--6 mm, glabrous, 1-veined, base broadened, margin broadly membranous, apex acute. Petals 5, white, obovate, 4--5 mm, base narrowed, cuneate, apex obtuse. Floral disc cupular, with 5 glands. Stamens 10; filaments ca. 4 mm; anthers brown. Ovary globose, 1-loculed; ovules numerous. Styles 3, linear, ca. 3 mm. Fl. Jul.

* Alpine meadows, mountain grasslands and gravels; 3500--5300 m. S Gansu, Qinghai, W Sichuan, E Xizang, NW Yunnan.