Xerophyte

Habit

Solitary, or forming dense clumps.

Central Spines

0 to 3, 1 to 3(-5) cm long.

Seeds

Black.

Roots

Fibrous.

Flowers

Scented, pale yellow, 4 cm in diameter.

Spines

Maroon-reddish to pure black, straight or (usually) somewhat curved upward.

Ribs

11 to 17 , truncated.

Stem

Spherical, firm, dark tannish-green to very dark-purple and woolly apically, 12 to 20 cm tall, 18 cm in diameter.

Radial Spines

5 to 10, 2.5 cm long.

Fruits

Brownish-red, round with a few scales 2.5 cm long.

Areoles

Yellowish, becoming grey with age.