Matucana ritteri usually grows solitary with flattened spherical, glossy dark green shoots and reaches a height of 3 to 5 cm (1.2 to 2.0 in) with a diameter of 5 to 10 cm (2.0 to 3.9 in).

The straight to slightly curved brownish-black spines turn gray with age.

The bright red and green, scaly fruits reach a diameter of 1 to 1.5 cm (0.39 to 0.59 in).

[2] Matucana ritteri is common in the region of La Libertad in Peru, near Otuzco at altitudes of 2500 meters.

[3] The specific epithet ritteri honors the German cacti specialist Friedrich Ritter.