It is a rare, slow-growing plant, which is why it is highly sought after by succulent lovers. Its trunk is armed with green-gray thorns with brown tips. Its lanceolate leaves are of a green color. P. makayense blooms with a beautiful shiny yellow flower. In its caudex it stores water to survive during periods of drought. During the period of vegetative rest, it loses its leaves to grow them back during the vegetative period.