Schlechteranthus pungens (H.E.K.Hartmann) R.F.Powell

Large upright to spreading shrub, often dome-shaped, to400 mm tall. Branches to 4 mm in diameter; upper branches white; leaves crowded towards tips of branches, old leaves not remaining on the branches. Leaves triquetrous, mostly oblong, sometimes ovoid in outline, 3.0-6.0 x 2.0-2.5 mm, leaf pairs fused for 0.25 to 0.3 of length; mucro prominent; slightly velvety; dark green. Flowers in compound cymose inflorescences; central primary axis to 13 mm long, equal proportionally to capsule length, bracteoles caducous; spines present, arranged in compound cyme, secondary axes with spines arranged in compound cyme, tertiary axes with spines arranged in simple cyme; spines derived from aborted axillary buds and less frequently from old pedicels; spines branching at an angle< 45°, sharp, elevated above terminal leaf pair; filamentous staminodes few to many, forming an incomplete to complete series around stamens. Fruit 7-to 8-locular; top convex, base funnel-shaped, 2.0-3.0 x 4.0-4.5 mm; closing rodlet conspicuous; valve wings very narrow, up to 0.3 width of valve.