Loosely tufted succulent perennial to 30 cm. high and ± 50 cm. in diameter, branching densely at the base from a thick fleshy root; branches to 30 cm. long, 1.5 cm. thick, cylindrical, sparsely rebranched, with usually prominent teeth, ± 2 cm. apart, in 4–5 longitudinal ± spiral series.. Spinescence grey; spine-shields oblong-triangular, to 10 × 3 mm., decurrent to ± 8 mm. and ± halfway to the shield below; spines single, to ± 2 cm. long; prickles rudimentary to 1.5 mm. long.. Leaves deltoid, ± 2.5 × 1.5 mm.. Cymes solitary, 1-forked, with peduncles and cyme-branches 1–3 mm. long; bracts deltoid, ± 1.5 × 1.5 mm.. Cyathia ± 2.5 × 5 mm., with funnel-shaped involucres; glands transversely rectangular, ± 1 × 2.5 mm., contiguous, greenish yellow; lobes transversely elliptic, ± 1 × 2 mm.. Male flowers: bracteoles fan-shaped, denticulate; stamens 4.5 mm. long.. Female flower: styles 1.5 mm. long, joined at the base, spreading, with thickened rugose apices.. Capsule subsessile, obtusely 3-lobed, ± 3 × 4 mm., buff.. Mature seeds not seen.
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