Most of longer spines are on top half of joints. Grows close to ground. One main trunk with the possibility of several branches high up on the trunk. Usually less than 0.5m high. Stems single jointed.
Plant looks very spiny.
Can be almost as wide as tall. None of the spines are hooked. End joints 2 cm or more in diameter. Joints do not fall off and there are no joints scattered under plants. End joints 7-10 mm. in diameter.