Decumbent spreading succulent shrub, densely branched from the base, sparsely branched above, to 60 cm. high; branches 4(–5)-angled, 1–2 cm. thick; angles sinuately toothed, with teeth 8–15 mm. apart.. Spine-shields oblong with a truncate base, to 3 × 3 mm. above the spines, decurrent to the flowering eye below, occasionally surrounding it to form a continuous horny margin; spines to 8 mm. long; prickles rudimentary.. Leaves ovate, ± 1 × 1 mm.. Cymes solitary, 1–2-forked, with stout peduncle and cyme-branches 2–4 mm. long; bracts deltoid, ± 1.25 × 1.25 mm.. Cyathia ± 2.5 × 5 mm., with cup-shaped involucres; glands transversely oblong; ± 1.25 × 2.75 mm., contiguous, yellow; lobes transversely elliptic, ± 1 × 1.25 mm.. Male flowers: bracteoles fan-shaped, deeply and irregularly laciniate; stamens 4.5 mm. long, red.. Female flower: styles 1.25 mm. long, joined at the base, apices thickened, rugose.. Capsule exserted on a reflexed pedicel to 1 cm. long, obtusely 3-lobed, ± 4 × 5.5 mm., buff.. Seeds ovoid, 2.5 × 2 mm., grey, shallowly tuberculate.
Home