Botany
Fleshy, erect. branched, leafless plant, with joints that are thick, oblong-ovate, green, fleshy, compressed. 15-25 cm long, with scattered small cushion-like bodies that may bear small spines. Calyx is greem. fleshy, oblong-ovoid, 3-8 cm long. Corolla is red, about 2.5 cm long. Fruit is ovoid, about 3.5 cm long, fleshy and purplish.

Medicinal properties
Tonic, refreshing, antihelminthic

Distribution
Planted for ornamental purposes.

Parts used and preparation
Joints.

Folkloric uses:
Joints applied as poultices to relieve joint pains, erysipelas, earches and toothaches.

Availability
Ornamental cultivation.