Is a low shrub which grows at altitudes between 2000 and 2300 m on the tableland of the Auyantepui. The species ist found at more open rocky sites and is thus exposed to strong insolation and UV radiation. The strength of the irradiation increases with height. The leaves of this species are simple, have entire margins and are of obovate shape with a mucronate tip. The spiny apex is better developed than in other species of the genus. The leaves are small, of a very coriaceous texture and are hard to the touch. A dense silky indumentum is found on the lower leaf side, while the upper surface is glabrous. The leaves are of the microphyllous size class (lower limit) of VARESCHI (1980) and have a total surface area of about 5 cm2• The specific leaf area is very low, because the blade is proportionally very thick. Leaf and bark structure were studie by ROTH and LINDORF (1990).

South American medicinal plants : botany, remedial properties, and general use / I. Roth, H. Lindorf. Berlin ; New York : Springer, c2002. -- p. 492.