Decumbent or prostrate, short-lived, jointed perennial up to 30cm, mat-forming. Segments 7-22 x 1-6mm; flowers in threes in terminal and lateral spikes, almost completely concealed by subtending bract.

This species often gives a reddish colour to tidal lagoons and brak vleis as they dry up.

Greek: sarx = flesh; referring to the fleshy appearance of the stems.