Densely branched succulent perennial spreading to form tangled masses ± 10 cm. high and 30 cm. in diameter; branches cylindrical, to 20 cm. long and 9 mm. thick, dark green blotched with lighter green, obscurely toothed with teeth 5–10 mm. apart in 5 loosely spiralled series.. Spinescence black; spine-shields obtusely triangular, 1.5–5 × 1.5–3 mm.; spines slender, 3–20 mm. long, very variable in length on each branch; prickles 2–10 mm. long.. Leaves deltoid, ± 1.5 × 1 mm., shallowly toothed.. Cymes solitary, 1-forked, with peduncle ± 1 mm. long and cyme-branches ± 2 mm. long; bracts subquadrate, ± 1 × 0.75 mm.. Cyathia ± 2.5 × 3.5 mm., with funnel-shaped involucres; glands transversely oblong, ± 0.75 × 1.5 mm., contiguous, pinkish orange; lobes subcircular, ± 0.75 mm. in diameter.. Male flowers: bracteoles spathulate, laciniate; stamens 2.5 mm. long.. Female flower: ovary deeply 3-lobed, pedicellate; styles 1.5 mm. long, joined for 0.5 mm., apices scarcely thickend.. Capsules and seeds not seen.
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