It is a rare shrubby cactus, which can reach up to one meter in height. The epidermis is hairless and waxy, of a dark green color, golden spines protrude from the whitish areoles. In late spring / early summer from its blades (ears) large flowers bloom, which normally vary in color from bright yellow to intense orange. At the end of the stem it produces red-brown cylindrical fruits, which ripen about two months after flowering.