Perennial native to the Himalayas, from Pakistan to Yunnan, growing in open woodlands, forest edges, and grassy slopes between 2,000 and 4,000 meters in altitude.
It stands out within the genus by its long-petioled leaves, with an orbicular to reniform blade, crenate on the edges, with a membranous texture, contrasting with the sessile and narrow leaves characteristic of most androsaces.
The floral stems, slender and upright, bear umbels of bright pink to lilac flowers, with a yellow eye.
More accommodating in cultivation than strictly alpine species, it tolerates a semi-shaded exposure and a cool substrate, making it an interesting plant for shaded rock gardens.