Densely branched succulent perennial forming clumps to ± 20 cm. high and 50 cm. in diameter; branches 4-angled, to 1 cm. thick, glaucous; angles prominently sinuate-toothed, with teeth 1–1.5 cm. apart.. Spinescence purplish black; spine-shields oblong-triangular, to ± 2 × 2.5 mm. above the spines, decurrent to 8 mm. and halfway to 2/3 towards the flowering eye below; spines to 8 mm. long; prickles to 2 mm. long.. Leaves acutely deltoid, ± 1.5 × 1 mm.. Cymes solitary, 1-forked, with peduncles and cyme-branches ± 3 mm. long; bracts ovate, ± 2 × 1.5 mm.. Cyathia ± 4 × 3 mm., with elongated barrel-shaped involucres; glands subcircular, ± 1 mm. in diameter, quite separate and facing inwards; lobes rounded, ± 0.75 × 0.75 mm., deeply toothed.. Male flowers: bracteoles spathulate, deeply dentate; stamens far exserted, 8 mm. long, red.. Female flower: styles 7 mm. long, joined for 2.5 mm., apices scarcely thickened, red.. Capsule subsessile, obtusely 3-lobed, ± 3.5 × 3.5 mm.. Mature seeds not seen.
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