[7][8] The single remaining species of the now monotypic genus, A. procumbens is a foetid, strongly pubescent, viscid subshrub of trailing/mat-forming habit reaching a height of only 10-20cm.

Peduncle narrow where joined to stem, thickening greatly to junction with fruiting calyx, reflexed so as to lie parallel to capsule.

[9] A. procumbens is a semi-evergreen alpine chasmophyte, favouring partial shade, its preferred habitat being crevices in silica-rich, non-sedimentary rocks.

Its strongholds in France comprise the Pyrénées-Orientales (taking in the Franco-Catalan area of historic Rousillon) and the Massif central - notably the Cévennes.

Plant is evergreen in mild climates, although may be killed outright by heavy frost, in which case may be propagated afresh: self-seeds readily.

Not usually invasive in gardens, though one report of aggressive growth from southeastern U.S.A. [12] Pruning: not usually needed, though may be cut back in autumn if foliage is spent or untidy.

Such weedy populations are short-lived and do not produce abundant seed, because of the current absence of bumblebees from the Australian insect fauna (in its native habitats in France and Spain Asarina is buzz-pollinated by bumblebee species): the Australian native bees and introduced honeybees of Melbourne find Asarina flowers resistant to their attempts at pollination.