The initially upright main shoots are at the base up to 60 centimeters long stalk-like, twisting or two- to three-edged.

The upper, leaf-like, flattened part is lanceolate, thornless and has a distinct central rib.

The egg-shaped, whitish to yellowish fruits are smooth or slightly angular and are up to 15 millimeters long.

It is rare in Costa Rica, where the subpopulation occurs mostly in scattered individual plants.

In some parts of its range, protection is provided due to the emergence of guerrilla warfare and the presence of drug producers, limiting the expansion of tourism, agro-industrial activities, and urban development.