This is an endemic shrub which grows up to 1 metre in height and has spiny tipped leaves with smaller spines along the margins. When in bloom the flowers are yellow. It tends to grow in the hills or on the pumice slopes (which is where this one was found) above 6,000 feet and is known as Malpica de cumbre locally.

Teno mountains near Santiago Valley 16th February 2009

Added 21st March 2009, updated December 7th 2012