Medium-sized ever-green or semi-deciduous succulent shrub, up to 120 cm tall Stem: Unbranched or sparsely branched, sometimes spiraling, narrowing to the top, with longitudinal rows of thorns, with a diameter of 3 cm. The branches are 5-angled, broadening toward the tips, have grey leaf-scars, and are dark green to olive brown. Leaves: Glossy bright green, elliptic, 12 by 2.5(-5) cm long, fleshy to quite leathery, with a prominent mid-vein, laced with white veins, and grow near the top of a stem. The leaf-stalks are 1.5 cm long and rather thick. Flowers: The inflorescence of this species is usually on stalks, the true flowers are yellowish-green encircled by large white to pink pseudo flowers on a greenish-red stalk.Blooming season: Summer