Tufted succulent perennial to 15 cm. high and 30(–60) cm. in diameter, branching densely from the base at the apex of a thick fleshy root; branches to 25 cm. long and 5–10 mm. thick, cylindrical, seldom rebranched except at the base, with teeth shallow to ± prominent, ± 2 cm. apart in 4 longitudinal series, and in strictly opposite pairs.. Spinescence sturdy, grey; spine-shields triangular, T-shaped above the spines, to 8 × 4 mm., shortly decurrent to 4(–6) mm.; spines single to ± 2 cm. long; prickles rudimentary, to ± 1 mm. long.. Leaves deltoid, 1 × 1 mm.. Cymes solitary, 1-forked, with peduncles and cyme-branches 1(–5) mm. long; bracts obtusely triangular, ± 1.5 × 2 mm.. Cyathia ± 2.5 × 6 mm., with broadly funnel-shaped involucres; glands transversely rectangular, ± 1 × 3 mm., contiguous, yellow occasionally becoming reddish; lobes transversely elliptic, ± 1 × 1.5 mm.. Male flowers: bracteoles fan-shaped, finely dentate; stamens 4 mm. long.. Female flower: styles 2 mm. long, free to the base, spreading, with thickened rugose apices.. Capsule subsessile, obtusely 3-lobed, ± 2.5 × 3 mm., buff.. Mature seeds not seen.. Fig. 98/4, p. 524.
Home