Perennial, climbing, stem-succulent shrub, 1-2 m high. Branches 3-winged, ribs compressed, margins strongly undulate, becoming horny with age. Areoles up to 40 mm apart, with 1 central spine 2-4 mm long and 1 or 2 peripheral spines 2-4 mm long. Flowers solitary. Sepals lorate, greenish or yellowish, apex acuminate. Petals spathulate, green, apex acute. Stamens of mature flower roughly parallel to perianth. Style cream-coloured; stigma lobes ± 24. Fruit red (ripe), oblong, scaly. Seeds black.