A small cactacea of a spherical shape, consisting of ribs, similar to tubercles, that are not very accentuated. It has quite straight dark spines, that tend to become black. The 'viridis' variety takes its name from its typical green color, which however, like other Neoporterias, can also become purplish, when exposed to the direct sun. In late spring it has inflorescences with thin multilayered petals of a characteristic yellow-cream color.