Neat dwarf hairless shrublet with an intricate system of fine roots and wiry, basally branched stems 5-10cm long. Leaves dense, in four rows, ovate, acute, 2 by 1.5mm, sessile, giving the effect of a large moss or cassiope. (In the wild these leaves tend to be tightly imbricated, in cultivation rather more open). Flowers solitary, axillary and terminal, on short peduncles, pink, rarely white, about 1cm across with a tube about half this, usually in great profusion, summer. Chile and Argentina from the southern central cordilleras to the volcano and lake district in humus-filled crevices in vertical lava cliffs and overhangs around the tree line, usually receiving sun for a limited period, at 1500-1800m. An utterly charming and unmistakable species with only two other known close relatives, both apparently unrediscovered (see also O. polyantha). In cultivation it tends to die back after flowering and might benefit from a strong trim then to encourage new growth. So far it has only succeeded in the alpine house.
