Also known as Tephrocactus articulatus var. strobiliformis. It is a slow growing perennial cactus. Its very particular stems have the form of a pine cone. It is an extremely fragile plant, because of its stems, which is why it has very low growth. It has small downy white areoles, from which tiny spines come out and, sporadically, long and flattened almost transparent spines can be seen. Its large flowers are white, which makes an evident contrast with the colors of the earth and the stems of the plant.