The species name 'dybowskii' honors the botanist and agronomist Jean Dybowski. Its stem has multiple well-defined protuberances, characterized by a different color. The dark green epidermis is accentuated by beautiful yellow variegations, which make each specimen unique and highly appreciated by cacti collectors. It is a columnar succulent plant, that branches out at the base, its erect stems are completely covered with a soft white down. The needle-like spines are of a yellow or brown color. It features magnificent white flowers, that open up at night.