Matucana formosa usually grows with globular, gray-green shoots that branch out from the base and reaches stature heights of 10 to 15 cm (3.9 to 5.9 in) and the same diameter.

Areoles have straight to slightly curved, stiff, dark brown spines have a darker tip and turn gray with age.

The length of the spherical, green and red fruits is 1.5 cm (0.59 in).

[2] Matucana formosa is distributed in the Peruvian departments of La Libertad, Cajamarca and Amazonas in the valley of the Río Marañón at altitudes of 800 to 1100 meters.

[3] Nomenclature synonyms are Submatucana formosa (F.Ritter) Backeb.