Cerastium mairei H. Léveillé, Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 13: 341. 1914, not Arenaria mairei Emberger (1933); A. yunnanensis Franchet var. linearifolia C. Y. Wu ex L. H. Zhou; Drymaria mairei H. Léveillé.

Herbs. Roots spinose. Stems branched proximally, often diffuse, violet, 10--15 cm, densely violet glandular pubescent in 1 line. Leaf blade narrowly lanceolate, 1--2 cm × 1--3 mm, both surfaces glabrous, midvein raised abaxially, base cuneate, apex obtuse or acute. Flower solitary, terminal, or cymes 2--5-flowered; rachis densely violet glandular pubescent; bracts ovate-lanceolate, midvein raised abaxially, base rounded, margin ciliate, apex obtuse. Pedicel 0.5--2 cm, densely violet glandular pubescent. Sepals 5, lanceolate, 4--5 × 1--2 mm, glandular pubescent abaxially, base broadened, apex obtuse. Petals 5, obovate, apex toothed. Stamens 10; anthers yellow. Ovary ovoid. Styles 2. Seeds flat, narrowly winged. Fl. Jul--Aug.

* Alpine scrub, meadows; 3200--3400 m. NE Yunnan.