The term cushion plant refers to a characteristic growth habit adopted by a variety of species and families growing in alpine and subalpine environments.

The growth habit is an adaptation to low nutrient areas and typically involves deep tap roots and densely-packed stems, which decay to form a layer of peat under the plants.

This dense growth pattern provides insulating properties to the plant, preventing root exposure to sub-zero temperatures, and forms a mat- or cushion-like structure.

[1] A herbaceous perennial, the plant is low growing, woody, compact and spreads in mat-like manner to 3 metres (10 ft) in diameter.

[2] The leaves are bright green, thick, crowded and sheathing from the base to a pointed tip with a single fine hair, the blades 2 millimetres (1⁄8 in) long.