Mat-forming papillate shrublet, older stems woody and smooth. Cylindrical, incurved, grey glittering leaves, covered with hair-like bladder cells; flowers in cymes, pale pink or white, opening at midday. Fruit 5-segmented.

Latin: candeo, candens = to be of brilliant whiteness, to shine, glitter; referring to the shimmering white flowers, and possibly to the glitttering appearance of the leaves.