Xerophyte

Flowers

Large ( 4-7 cm in diameter) glossy yellow , they have red filaments and a red centre.

Spines

C. borwigii pass several stages of development in which their appearance changes very much

Stem

Globose, ovoid, or short cylindrical dark green to pale blue grey, 5-10 cm tall, 5-8 cm in diameter.

Radial Spines

Equal at first up to 18 mm long, as the the plant ages develops two types of radial spines, lower radiant, stiff, horn-coloured and upper, thinner, flexible in a bundle.

Fruits

Green, 15-20 mm long.