Short perennial, sometimes biennial depending on conditions, from the Primulaceae family, present in the western Mediterranean basin, from the Iberian Peninsula to the Maghreb and the south of France. It frequents open garrigues, dry lawns, consolidated coastal dunes, and sunny rocky limestone slopes, on very poor and well-drained soils.
It forms small upright to slightly spreading tufts, 10 to 30 cm in height, with branching stems bearing narrow, linear leaves that are slightly spiny on the edges, with a somewhat rigid appearance. The general habit evokes from afar a heather or a small shrub, which immediately distinguishes it from other Primulaceae.
The flowers, gathered in dense terminal spikes, are pink to pink-purple, with five unequal and very finely fringed petals, with protruding stamens that give the inflorescence a slightly bristly appearance. The calyxes persist after flowering, reddish and ornamental. In its natural habitat, flowering extends from May to July.
In cultivation, it requires perfect drainage, poor calcareous soil, and full sun exposure. Delicate to transplant, it readily reseeds on mineral supports and is suitable for very draining rock gardens and garrigue gardens.