Thorny leafless shrub 0.5-1.5 m high with numerous erect succulent stems. The branches are ridged longitudinally and constricted at intervals of 4-8 cm. One to three yellow flowers develop on the thorny ridges. When cut or bruised, milky latex is exuded. Although not normally browsed by stock, the plant is eaten when cut into sections and left to wilt for a few days. Apparently the burning taste of the latex disappears, so that the plant becomes palatable to stock. Especially in times of drought it is often used as supplementary fodder.