Densely branching succulent shrub to 1 m. high and 1.2 m. in diameter; branches to 30 cm. long, (4–)5-angled, 1–2 cm. thick, uniformly green; angles very shallowly toothed, with teeth 5–15 mm. apart.. Spine-shields forming a continuous horny margin along the angles 2–3 mm. wide; spines stout, to 8 mm. long; prickles vestigial.. Leaves ovate, ± 1.75 × 1.25 mm.. Cymes solitary, 1-forked, subsessile, all parts yellow; bracts deltoid, ± 1 × 1.5 mm.. Cyathia ± 2.5 × 5 mm., with cup-shaped involucres; glands transversely oblong, ± 1.5 × 3 mm., contiguous; lobes transversely elliptic, ± 1 × 1.5 mm.. Male flowers: bracteoles deeply laciniate; stamens 4 mm. long.. Female flower: styles 1.25 mm. long, joined at the base, apices thickened, rugulose, minutely bifid.. Capsule exserted on a reflexed pedicel to 5.5 mm. long, obtusely 3-lobed, ± 3 × 4 mm., buff flushed with red.. Seeds ovoid, 2.25 × 1.75 mm., grey, minutely and shallowly tuberculate.
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