Authors: Benth.
spiny cushion-forming shrublet 10-60cm tall. Leaves trifid, silvery silky-hairy and with a pair of similar shaped stipules. In its familiar form this is the uniquely red anarthrophyllum with elegant, solitary flowers 1.6-2cm or more long with an extremely abbreviated, fan-shaped standard. Although known for its soft, pure scarlet flowers, pinky-red, pure orange and deep yellow forms have also been recorded. There are three varieties, partly determined according to the length of the leaflets: 5-10mm in the typical variety, twice as long in A.d. var. morenonensis and three times long in A.m. var. mustersii. There is some overlap and the diagnoses are supported by other botanical details. Originating from desert or semi-desert steppe, this plant is highly sensitive to overwatering, but at the same time probably responds best to maximum possible light and air movement. A challenge to flower in cultivation but fully living up to its latin epithet. Southern Patagonia at 50-900m. [Pl.19-20]
