[7] F. herrerae is a solitary cactus, reaching an average height of 2 m (6.56 ft), and 40 cm (15.74 in) in diameter.It features 13 deep ribs, initially heavily tuberculated.

Flowers are yellow, with red-pink midribs and brown tips, blooming from Summer to early Autumn.

The funnel-shaped flowers are yellow with a red central stripe, reaching up to 6 cm (2.4 in) in length and diameter.

[9] Its common name refers to its twisted, barrel cactus shape habit, with long, hooked, or barbed spines.

[8] Its seeds can be ground into flour, and its fruit are edible,[11] showing numerous positive nutritional aspects.