[1] Sclerocactus papyracanthus is small cactus grows up to 8 centimeters tall by 2.5 wide.

They are white, tan, or gray in color, papery in texture, and sometimes twisted or wavy in shape.

The actual shape of the flower is an oval pedal.

The flower is up to 2.5 centimeters long and have light-colored outer tepals with dark midstripes.

[4] This plant grows in pinyon-juniper woodland and Chihuahuan Desert grassland habitat, usually amidst grama grass (Bouteloua spp.