Subshrubs hermaphroditic. Stems climbing, branched, to 2 m; branches usually distinctly striate-ridged, ridges ± cartilaginous denticulate. Cladodes in fascicles of 3--6(--8), linear, 1--2.5 cm × ca. 1 mm, flat, midvein distinct. Leaf spur spinescent; spine straight or subrecurved, 1.5--2 cm on main stems, 5--10 mm on branches, woody, sharp. Inflorescences developing after cladodes, axillary, each a many-flowered raceme or panicle 1--4 cm; bracts ca. 1 mm. Pedicel 1.5--3 mm, slender, articulate at middle. Perianth campanulate, 2--3 mm. Stamens equal, ca. 0.7 mm; anthers yellow, minute. Fl. Nov. 2 n = 20*, 48.

Broad-leaved forests along streams or valleys; 2100--2200 m. S Xizang [Bhutan, India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sikkim; Africa, Australia].