Avonia quinaria subsp. quinaria has a fleshy tuberous root that gradually grows into a proper caudex. Several erect stems will grow from this buried caudex in mature plants.

The stems are covered in tiny overlapping stipules pressed flat onto the stems. The arrays in which the pale grey stipules are arranged render the stems a silvery smooth appearance with dark dots on each stipule.

The photo was taken in October near Garies.

Plants of the genus are generally characterised by papery scales that cover the stems. The genus consists of ten species in the family of Portulacaceae.