Dwarf shrub, erect, up to 0.2-0.3 m long; branch segments globose to oblong, usually 25-50 x 25-50 mm, easily detached. Leaves tiny, cylindric, caducous; areoles ± immersed, with hairs and glochidia; glochidia dark brown or maroon, conspicuous. Spines absent or 1-4, up to or more than 50 x 7 mm, flat, papery or raffia-like, pale brown or white. Flowers 30-40 mm in diam., white or pale pink. Stamens usually many, sensitive. Fruit dry, dehiscent, 10-15 mm long, terminal, persistent, often sterile, pulp none. Seed highly specialised, laterally compressed, winged; aril (funicular envelope) glabrous, girdle strongly protruding, spongy.
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