The name of the species comes from the Latin and literally means "lying down", in reference to the prostrating character that its abundantly branched stems assume with growth. Characterized, like many species belonging to the genus, by ovoid cladodes that develop by attaching themselves to each other, it has an emerald green epidermis, peculiarly tinged with purple around the areolas. The entire surface is adored by microscopic and slender thorns that are almost glassy but extremely ferocious. The chromatic charm of the cactus is further accentuated in the summer, when large flowers of a bright yellow bloom, with a texture so shiny that it seems like silk!