A dwarf, spiny succulent plant with the main stem and root forming a large subterranean tuberous body. Roof up to 300 mm long and 100 mm thick, usually unbranched, terminating in a taproot and also giving rise to secondary roots, some of which grow near the surface of the soil. Stem crowning the root, often branched laterally to form multiple heads, distinguished from the root by horizontally extended depressions from which old branches have fallen. The narrow apex produces 10-20 branches. Branches 50-80 mm long, 25-40 mm thick, constricted at intervals, 3-, 4-or 5-angled, not twisted, simple, bluish-green, with lighter green markings. Tubercles projecting 2-5 mm, sometimes prominent, with a pair of spines and a rudimentary leaf at the apex. Spines slender, 5-10 mm long, reflexed or slightly V-shaped and with or without basal prickles. If prickles are present, these are 1-2 mm in length. Spine shield continuous or discontinuous, triangular above the spines if discontinuous, otherwise extending around the flowering eye. Inflorescence numerous, only on new growth, one from each flowering eye consisting of 1 cyathium; male or bisexual; peduncles 3-5 mm long, stout. Involucre cup-shaped, 5-7 mm diameter, with 5 glands and 5 small fringed lobes. Glands contiguous, transversely oblong, 3-4 mm in their greater diameter. Styles 5 mm long, united for about half their length, bifid at the apex. Ovule attached to a swollen connective without a hood-like flap. Capsule 8-10 mm in diameter, obtusely trilobed, sessile within the involucre. Seed subglobose, approximately 3 mm in diameter and mottled light and dark brown.
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