Its stem has 10–12 ribs, divided into tubercles with shallow, wooly grooves on the upper surface.

Its central spines are white or yellowish, and often hooked, occasionally red-tipped, and may become grey as they age.

Its small, funnelform flowers vary in color from shades of green, yellow, and white.

The fruits are egg-shaped and pinkish-green, and contain kidney-shaped, dark brown to black seeds.

Its natural habitat is open areas with sparse vegetation, such as hilltops, floodplains, and rocky plains.