[4][5] It is cushion forming,[4][5] and dioecious (having male and female reproductive structures which develop only on different plants).

[5] Which are arranged in opposite pairs, linear to obovate in shape, rigid and about 1.5 mm long.

[5] The genus name of Philippiella is in honour of Rodolfo Amando Philippi (1808–1904), a German–Chilean paleontologist and zoologist.

[1][9] It grows on cold steppes, [4] at elevations of 0–500 metres (0–1,640 ft) above sea level.

[3] It can be grown in a sunny, open site in poor, sandy soil or within an alpine house.