Cactaceae with a spherical emerald green body, slightly depressed at the apex, which with its growth can assume a vaguely cylindrical shape. It has not much marked longitudinal ribs, equipped with asymmetrical conical tubercles. From these ones come out large whitish areoles and rather long spines, thin and sometimes with a contorted course, with hues that from the blackish fade towards the white-grey. In spring the charm of G. odoratum is further amplified by large flowers that bloom at the apex and adorn the cactus with its white-pink notes, very delicate and elegant.