Zygophyllum gobicum Maxim.

Herbs, perennial, glaucous, reddish in autumn. Stems much branched, prostrate, 10-20 cm. Stipules distinct, ovate, 2-7 mm. Leaves with 2 leaflets; petiole 2-7 mm; leaflet blades obliquely ovate, 5-20 × 3-8 mm, larger basally on stem. Flowers paired. Pedicel 2-3 mm. Sepals 5, green or orange, elliptic to oblong, 4-6 mm. Petals pale green or orange, smaller than sepals. Stamens 6-8 mm, longer than petals. Capsule ellipsoid, 8-14 × 6-7 mm, pendulous, indehiscent, both ends obtuse. Fl. Jun, fr. Aug.

Gravel deserts. N Gansu, W Nei Mongol, Qinghai, E Xinjiang [Kazakhstan, Mongolia].