It is a small-sized cactus plant, that, over time, forms small colonies. It has a rounded shaped stem, slightly concave at the apex, of a dark green color, that can vary to bright purple with exposure to the intense sun or in dry cold conditions. The few spines, that grow on the ribs of the stem are thin, slightly curved and of a brownish yellow color. Flowering occurs in spring and generates huge flowers, that overhang the plant like an umbrella, the almost transparent petals have a glossy yellow color.