Clustering, body globular or elongate, to 4.5 cm wide and 13 cm high, without milky sap. Axils at first woolly. Tubercles prominent, pyramidal. Central spines 1-4, 1-1.5 cm long, one or more with tips hooked. Radial spines 9-15, 6-12 mm long, white, tips brown, needle-like. Flowers pink or pale purplish, 3-4 cm wide, terminal on body. Fruit scarlet.

NW Mexico

Source: Thompson, A, ; Forbes, S.; Spencer, R. (1997). Cactaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 2. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 1. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.