It comprises 32 morphologically defined species and 5 heterotypic subspecies.

These species vary in form from spherical to slightly columnar and in color from a brownish to blue-green body.

They have warty ribs and spiny areoles, and they usually produce tubular yellow flowers which grow from woolly crowns on the apex in summer.

The small, smooth fruits contain large, shiny black seeds.

Species of the genus Copiapoa according to Plants of the World Online As of January 2023[update][3] separated according to sections.