Description:
|
Spiny succulent dwarf shrublet, forming large densely branched clumps up to c. 12.5 cm high.Branches subcylindric or obtusely subquadrangular, 8–10 mm in diameter, tapering below into a stalk-like base; angles shallowly crenulate with rounded tubercles c. 7 mm apart along the margins.Spine shields 2–4 × 2–3 mm, obtriangular, brownish becoming whitish; spines 2–3 mm long or sometimes rudimentary, widely divergent; prickles 1–2 mm long, weak.Leaves c. 1.25 mm long, ovate-attenuate, fleshy, caducous.Cymes solitary, simple; peduncles to 2 mm long; cyme branches to 3 mm long; bracts c. 1.5 mm long, semi-circular to oblong-obtuse.Cyathia to 2 × 4–4.5 mm, with funnel-shaped involucres; glands spreading, transversely elliptic, c. 2 mm wide, ± touching, yellow; lobes 1 × 1 mm, cuneate, irregularly fimbriate.Male flowers: 10–15, far exserted: fascicular bracts broadly 2-lobed, laciniate, fimbriate, 2.5 mm long; stamens 4.5 mm long.Female flower: styles 2.25–3 mm long, united to c. halfway, spreading above, with capitate or shortly bilobed apices.Capsule c. 3.5 × 4.25 mm, obtusely 3-lobed, scarcely exserted.Seeds c. 2 × 1.25–1.5 mm, ovoid, densely verrucose, brown with white, brown and blackish markings.
From FZ, Vol 9, Part 5, (2001) Author: S. Carter & L.C. Leach |