Sturdy succulent shrub with numerous branches spreading upwards from the base, sparsely rebranched above to 1.5(–2) m. high; branches (4–)5–6(–8)-angled, to 4 cm. thick, ± constricted at intervals of 10–30 cm., usually green-variegated with darker markings around the teeth; angles usually distinctly toothed, with teeth to 1.8 cm. apart.. Spine-shields to 3 × 4 mm. above the spines, forming a continuous horny margin 2–4 mm. wide; spines very strong, often somewhat variable in length, to 1.5 cm. long, shorter at the constrictions but rarely reduced to 1–2 mm. long on branches above 1.5 m. high; prickles rudimentary.. Leaves deltoid, 2 × 1.5 mm.. Cymes solitary, 1-forked, with peduncle and cyme-branches ± 1.5 mm. long; bracts subquadrate, ± 1.25 × 1 mm.. Cyathia ± 2.5 × 4.5 mm., with cup-shaped involucres, golden-yellow; glands transversely oblong, ± 1.25 × 2.5 mm., contiguous, orange-yellow, rarely reddish; lobes transversely elliptic, ± 1 × 1.5 mm.. Male flowers: bracteoles fan-shaped, deeply laciniate; stamens 3.75 mm. long.. Female flower: styles 1.5 mm. long, joined at the base, apices much thickened, rugose.. Capsule exserted on a reflexed pedicel to 5 mm. long, obtusely 3-lobed, ± 3.5 × 5.5 m., rosy red.. Seeds ovoid, 2.25 × 1.75 mm., grey, minutely tuberculate.
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