Authors: Arn.
Stems prostrate, 10-30cm long, either from a single crown or spreading somewhat by underground runners. Leaves pale, rather whitish green and somewhat fleshy, lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate and acute, 2-4cm long. Those near the base often larger and broader. The inflorescences usually form a ring around the circumference of the plant, the upper parts of the flowering stems tending to be less leafy. Sepals two or rarely up to five, cordate, rounded, 1-1.7cm in diameter, opaque grey-ivory to whitish straw or spectacular rosy to lilac-pink. Populations are constant in coloration. Flowers 2.5cm long by 1-1.2cm across, deep, almost orange-yellow with a small white spot on each petal. Chile, from the Atacama to the Cordillera de Santiago and Argentina near San Juan, at sea level to 3000m. Mountain habitats: shallow scree and dry soil pans on rounded ridge tops, on exposed flats or slopes directed to full sun. Often forming lone colonies, or with one or two equally specialised plants. Lowland desert and foothill habitat, shingle washes and pebble or gravel fields; probably also in loose sandy soil and dunes. C.h. var. bustillosii differs in its congested habit, with stems never more than 13cm long, linear-lanceolate leaves, l-2cm by 2-5mm, and notched tips to the sepals, always just two in number. [Pl.134]
