[1] Lobivia mamillosa has a solitary growth habit, with globe-shaped stems up to 30 cm (12 in) tall.

The stems are dark green, with a diameter of up 8 cm (3.1 in) across, and have 13–17 deep ribs, formed into tubercles.

Subspecies mamillosa is shorter (typically only up to 6 cm (2 in) tall) with 17 ribs.

[1] Lobivia mamillosa is widespread in the Bolivian departments of Chuquisaca and Tarija at altitudes of 1500 to 3000 meters.

[1] The circumscription of Echinopsis remains controversial; the genus is accepted not to be monophyletic.