The distinct, straight, yellowish brown spines turn gray with age.

Matucana aurantiaca is distributed in the Peruvian regions of Ancash, La Libertad, Cajamarca and possibly Piura at altitudes of 2000 to 3700 meters.

In temperate areas this plant requires some protection from rain and frost, so is best grown under glass in an unheated greenhouse which receives plenty of sun.

It is kept dry through the winter, but watered and fed during the growing season, from spring to autumn.

In cultivation in the United Kingdom it has been given the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.