Azorella ruizii, commonly known as cushion bolax, is a perennial herb native to the high Andes of South America, particularly in alpine and subalpine zones. It forms dense, low-growing mats that can be quite extensive, resembling a cushion or carpet. The plant is evergreen, maintaining its foliage throughout the year. Azorella ruizii typically reaches a height of 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) and can spread widely across the ground. Its appearance is characterized by small, glossy, dark green leaves that are tightly packed together, giving it a very compact form. While it does produce flowers, they are small, yellow, and not particularly showy, often nestled within the foliage and blooming in the summer months.

Cushion bolax is valued for its ability to create a continuous ground cover in rock gardens, alpine gardens, and other areas with poor soil and harsh growing conditions. It is remarkably tolerant of cold temperatures and can survive in nutrient-poor, rocky soils. In cultivation, it requires well-drained soil and full sun to part shade conditions. Due to its low stature and dense growth, it is rarely affected by pests or diseases, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. However, it does not tolerate wet or waterlogged soils, which can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0