Xerophyte

Central Spines

Looking like radials and often confused with them, only 2 at first later 3-4 or more, acicular, somewhat spreading, unequal, more or less recurved, divergent, and pointing up and down (the lowest is the longest), yellowish, becoming dark brown to black towards the point, 5-25 (or more) mm long.

Tubercles

Conical , axils and areoles woolly.

Flowers

Pinkish red to carmine (without purplish tint according to the original description).

Stem

Solitary globular becoming cylindrical up to 40 cm in height for 15 cm in diameter with green epidermis.

Radial Spines

Absent or rudimentary.

Fruits

Red.