Homotypic synonyms Cardionema ramosissimum is a perennial plant in the family Caryophyllaceae, commonly known as sandcarpet, sandmat or tread lightly.

It is a small, clumping, mat-forming plant found in a number of diverse habitats throughout its range, from sandy beaches and dunes to the high elevations of the Andes mountains.

[2][3] Cardionema ramosissimum is a prostrate perennial herb with stems 5–30 cm (2.0–11.8 in) long forming dense mats, with a pubescent indumentum throughout.

The stems are often obscured by numerous stipules measuring 4–8 mm (0.16–0.31 in) long that occupy the spaces between the leaves.

[8] In the Andes of Ecuador, it is found at elevations of 2,000–4,500 m (6,600–14,800 ft) in the provinces of Cañar, Chimborazo, Imbabura and Pichincha.