Xerophyte

Central Spines

2, very irregular, 6-60mm long, divergent, lower longer, very tortuous, somewhat angled, chalky brown to yellowish with dark tips.

Tubercles

Pyramidal, more or less four angled and keeled, up to 13 mm long (or longer), 8-11 mm thick at base, dull dark greyish green. Axils toward apex filled with white wool.

Flowers

c.10 mm in diameter, pink.

Stem

Simple (or clustering), globose to pumpkin-shaped, 8.5-12 cm in diameter green or greyish blue., with dense white wool especially when young. Axils toward apex filled with white wool.

Radial Spines

2-5, extremely variable, uneven, 1-10 mm long, acicular, the upper 2 usually deciduous, chalky brownish white, lower one directed downward and longer.

Fruits

Curved clavate, 11 mm long, 4 mm in diameter, red.