The name of this cactacea is still controversial, since many people identify it as a synonym of the Melocactus curvispinus. This plant has a typical spherical shape, equipped with strongly furrowed longitudinal ribs. It has large white downy areoles and rather long and robust, slightly curved spines, which then become more reddish and straight at the apex, facing upwards. When it reaches a certain age, the cactus stops growing, it develops a whitish spherical cephalium at the apex of the plant formed by red shaded bristles, from which small magenta flowers with thin petals bloom.