The generic name is formed from Greek opsis meaning "view", referring to its resemblance to the genus Espostoa, with which it is often confused.

[1] Espostoopsis dybowskii grows shrubby and branches from the ground, reaches heights 2 to 4 meters.

Their cylindrical trunks have 20 to 28 ribs, reaches up to a diameter of 8 centimeters and completely covered by white hairs.

[5] The specific epithet dybowskii honors the botanist and agricultural scientist Jean Dybowski.

[7] Espostoopsis dybowskii is found growing in granite and quartz outcrops in northern Bahia, Brazil at altitudes of 300 to 750 meters.