[1][2] It is an open, often rather leggy shrub found in northern Myanmar and nearby parts of India at elevations up to 4,000 m (13,000 ft).

Growing to 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft), it occurs in coniferous woodlands that are dominated by species of fir (Abies).

[3] The aromatic leaves are often glaucous, and the undersides have a coating of fine, pale grey scales.

As the name pruniflorum (plum-flowered) suggests, the small, waxy flowers are an unusual plum-purple-red shade, though they may also be mauve to pink.

The heads of 3–10 small flowers open late, not until early summer at higher elevations.