Stems basally woody, much branched above, branches pilose. Leaves closely condensed, sessile, ovate-lanceolate to ovate, 2.5-9 x 1-6 mm, apex acute, basally cuneate, rounded or sub-cordate, pubescent. Calyx ovoid, 3-4 mm long, the sepals obovate, abruptly acute, silky pubescent. Corolla 5-6 mm long, the tube and the oblong-ovate lobes about equal in length. Stamens and styles exserted for about 2-4 mm. Ovary 2-celled, 4-ovuled. Fruit ovoid, 3-4 mm long. Seed usually 1, shining.
Fl. Per.: Throughout the year
Type: Crete, LINN 317.1, microfiche seen.
B-6 D ir, Timargarh, Salim 30 (K), C-7 Jhelum Dist. : Dharayla Jalap, M.A. Siddiqi 3661 (RAW), Hiranpur, Malhotra s.n. (RAW), D-6 Thal, S.I. Ali s.n. (KUH), F-5 Nawabshah, M.A. Siddiqi 2555 (RAW), Baluchistan: G-2 Turbat S.I.Ali & S. Farooqi 907 (KUH), Makran, Gwadar, Jan. 1965, Rechinger 27925 (W), G-3 Sind, Bela, Sultanul Abedin 7296 (KUH), G-4 Manghopir, S.I. Ali s.n. (KUH), Gharo, S.I. Ali & S. Farooqi 185 (NY), G-5 Kotri Barrage, Jalis s.n. (RAW), Jamshoro A.H. Khan 627 (PPFI-B), G-6 Nagar Parkar, A.R. Beg 63 (PPFI-B).
Distribution: Widely distributed in the xeric tropical zones of both the hemispheres. The New World populations have been recognized as distinct species.
These plants are indicators of dry salty and sandy habitats. They are particularly abundant near sea coasts and the Salt Range. Plants are used as a tonic and locally used for camel fodder.
