Resprouting, rigid, closely-leafy shrublet up to 30cm. Leaves are needle-like, stiff, with short hairs and bristly margins rolled under. Bears spikes of striking azure-blue flowers, narrowly funnel-shaped; pollen turquoise.

Latin: azureus, azure, lapis lazuli: referring to the azure-blue colour of flowers and turquoise pollen.

The very similar Merciera leptoloba bears spikes of white flowers.