Densely tufted succulent perennial, branching from the base to 10(–15) cm. high and 30(–45) cm. in diameter; branches simple, cylindrical, 8–14 mm. thick, 10–20 cm. long, surface tessellated, with divisions to 8 × 6 mm. arranged in 5 loosely spiralled series and each surmounted by a spine-shield, bright green, paler in the grooves.. Spinescence buff; spine-shields broadly triangular with corners rounded and often enlarged, 2–6 × 2.5–5 mm., the base of larger shields sometimes produced into a stout spine to 1.5 mm. long; spines sturdy, 1–22 mm. long, extremely variable in length on each branch; prickles 0.5–2 mm. long.. Leaves deltoid, ± 1 × 1 mm., denticulate.. Cymes solitary, 1-forked, with peduncles and cyme-branches ± 2 mm. long; bracts oblong, ± 1 × 0.7 mm.. Cyathia ± 1.5 × 2 mm., with cup-shaped involucres; glands transversely rectangular, ± 1 × 2 mm., contiguous to form an undivided circle, yellowish pink; lobes subcircular, ± 0.7 mm. long.. Male flowers: bracteoles deeply and finely laciniate; stamens 2.5 mm. long.. Female flower: styles 2 mm. long, joined for 0.5 mm., apices thickened.. Capsule exserted on a recurved pedicel to 5 mm. long, deeply and acutely 3-lobed with a truncate base, ± 2 × 2.7 mm.. Mature seeds not seen.
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