Succulent perennial with densely tufted stems from a thick fleshy root, branching from the base, to 30(–100) cm. long, 4-angled, ± 1 cm. thick, dark green, often lightly variegated with paler green and the surface shallowly fluted; angles with prominent sharply pointed teeth to 7 mm. long and to 1.5 cm. apart.. Spinescence pale grey; spine-shields to 2 cm. long, to 5 mm. long above the spines and with 2 widely diverging arms 2–5 mm. long, decurrent from halfway to just above the flowering eye below, with the base sometimes free and forming a hook to 1 mm. long; spines to 1.3 cm. long, often joined at the base for up to 2 mm.; prickles to 2.5 mm. long.. Leaves deltoid, ± 1.5 × 1.5 mm.. Cymes 1–3 in a vertical line, developing successively, 1-forked, with branches 1–2.5 mm. long; bracts subquadrate, ± 1.5 × 1.25 mm.. Cyathia ± 2.5 × 4.5 mm., with broadly funnel-shaped involucres; glands spreading, transversely elliptic; ± 1 × 2.5 mm., contiguous, yellow; lobes subcircular, 1 mm. long.. Male flowers: bracteoles 2 mm. long, laciniate, deeply dentate; stamens 3 mm. long.. Female flower: styles ± 1.75 mm. long, joined at the base, apices thickened.. Capsule sessile, obtusely 3-lobed, ± 3.25 × 4.5 mm.. Seeds ovoid with truncate base, 2 × 1.5 mm., greyish brown, shallowly and minutely tuberculate.. Fig. 96/4–6.
Stony sandy soils in open deciduous bushland, usually on exposed slopes; at elevations from 435-1,550 metres.
Can be grown by seedlings. Seeds needs soaking.
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