[1] The species of the genus Facheiroa grow shrubby or tree-like, are heavily branched, have a short trunk and reach heights of growth of up to 5 meters.

The shoots are ascending, cylindrical and have 12 to 25 (rarely more) narrow ribs with variable spines.

The tubular flowers are covered with imbricated scales and open at night.

The fleshy, spherical, semi-transparent, non-tearing fruits are green to brown or purple.

The small to medium-sized seeds are ovate, semi-matt, and brown to black-brown.