Small flowering annual or biennial herb, growing between 4 cm to 20 cm in height. Flowering during August through to February, the herb is found in open areas, including damp areas, such as these photographed in the water-filled Ilparpa Claypans, during periods of usual amount of rainfall.

The flower is a bright pink to purple, with a yellow centre. Leaves are mostly elliptic to lanceolate or oblanceolate, approximately 1 – 3 cm long.

Found listed under Schenkia spicata and Centaurium spicatum, with common name of Spike Centaury.