It is a medium-sized evergreen succulent perennial native to Oaxaca, Mexico.

[4] The plant forms a solitary rosette of broad whitish green leaves with variable spines, which are 1-2 feet long and 5 inches wide, typically narrower toward the base and widest near the tip.

[6] It can tolerate temperatures of −3 °C (27 °F), but in practice is best grown in a sheltered spot without severe frosts.

[3] It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

It may be susceptible to scale insects and chlorosis resulting from magnesium deficiency.