Its spines, initially golden but transitioning to grey, are straight to slightly curved.

The flowers of Matucana hoxeyi measure approximately 65 mm (2.6 in) in length and red-orange with a subtle hint of violet.

[2] This species is found in the valley of the Río Rupac, Peru at elevations of 1800 to 2350 meters.

The plant was first discovered by cactus collector Paul Hoxey in December 2001.

The plant was later described in 2010 by Graham Charles in Quepo as Matucana paucicostata subsp.