Succulent perennial with densely tufted stems from a thick fleshy root, branching from the base, 4-angled, to 15 cm. long and ± 7 mm. thick, greyish to brownish green; angles with laterally compressed prominent very sharply pointed teeth to 1 cm. long and ± 1.5 cm. apart.. Spinescence grey; spine-shields to 8 mm. long above the spines, occasionally with 2 scarcely diverging arms to 1.5 mm. long, decurrent to 3–5 mm. above the flowering eye below; spines 2–12 mm. long, often joined at the base for up to 3 mm.; prickles to 4 mm. long.. Leaves deltoid, ± 1 × 1 mm.. Cymes 1–2 in a vertical line developing successively, 1-forked, with branches to 5 mm. long; bracts subquadrate, ± 1.5 × 1.25 mm.. Cyathia ± 2.5 × 4.5 mm., with funnel-shaped involucres; glands transversely elliptic, ± 1 × 2 mm., contiguous, pinkish brown; lobes subcircular, 1 mm. in diameter.. Male flowers: bracteoles deeply dentate; stamens 3.25 mm. long.. Female flower: styles 2 mm. long, joined at the base, apices thickened, rugulose.. Capsule subsessile, obtusely 3-lobed, ± 2.5 × 3 mm.. Mature seeds not seen.. Fig. 96/1–3, p. 516.
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