Straggling loosely branched succulent shrub to 50 cm. high and 1 m. in diameter; branches numerous from the base, 4-angled, 1.5–3 cm. wide, constricted at irregular intervals on upper parts of the branches into ± obovate segments 1.5 cm. or more long; angles compressed, sinuately toothed with teeth irregularly spaced 0.5–2 cm. apart.. Spine-shields oblong-triangular, contiguous to form a horny margin 1–4 mm. wide or separated between the segments; spines robust, 1–15 mm. long, very irregular in length; prickles rudimentary; flowering eye flanked by a pair of rudimentary secondary spines.. Leaves deltoid, ± 1.5 × 1.5 mm.. Cymes solitary, apparently unbranched, peduncle ± 3 mm. long; bracts rounded, ± 2 × 3.5 mm.. Cyathia ± 3 × 8 mm., with broadly funnel-shaped involucres, all parts dark red; glands transversely oblong, ± 1.8 × 4.5 mm., just touching; lobes transversely elliptic, ± 1.5 × 2 mm.. Male flowers: bracteoles laciniate; stamens 4.5 mm. long.. Female flower: styles 3 mm. long, joined for 1.7 mm., apices thickened, distinctly bifid.. Capsule sessile, distinctly 3-lobed, ± 4.5 × 9 mm., dark red.. Seeds subglobose, 2.8 × 2.5 mm., brown, speckled, smooth.
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