Like all species of Rhodocactus, and unlike most other cacti, R. stenanthus has persistent leaves, that are variable in shape and size.

The flowers are orange-red on the outside and pink inside and are borne in terminal or axillary inflorescences of 1–15 forming dense clusters.

The fruits are variable in shape, 3–7 cm (1.2–2.8 in) long, green or yellowish-green when ripe, and contain many glossy black seeds.

[4] Molecular phylogenetic studies from 2005 onwards suggested that when Pereskia was broadly circumscribed, it was not monophyletic, and consisted of three clades.

[2] In the state of Bahia, it occurs in caatinga (subtropical and tropical dry shrubland) at altitudes of about 400–600 m (1,300–2,000 ft).