This medium-small cactus is generally solitary but can tuft. It has a green globose or cylindrical stem equipped with ribs and conical tubercles. From the fluffy areolas emerge its thorns that cover the entire stem. The radial spines are numerous, thin of yellowish-white color whilst the radials are yellow-brownish with reddish and more robust tips. During the flowering period, early summer, this cactaceae gives bright orange funnel-shaped flowers that bloom at the apex of the stem and last about three days.