A shrub or small tree which loses its leaves during the year. It grows to 5 m tall. It has spines 6 cm long. The leaves are simple and alternate. They are 1.5-5 cm long. The flowers are separately male and female. The male flowers are light green and in groups of 2-6. The female flowers are yellow and occur singly. The calyx of the female flower is divided into 5-7 lobes which are curled back. The fruit is round and 2 cm across. There are 2 seeds. The seeds are densely woolly. The fruit is orange-red when ripe.
Home