Strombocactus is a monotypic genus with a strong turnip-like root, a small, depressed, roughly spherical stem covered with spirally arranged overlapping tubercles, each with a spine-bearing areole at its tip.

Strombocactus disciformis are low-growing, gray-green succulents with a broadly round, unbranched stem and root.

Areoles are located on the blunt ends of these warts, which are curved (straighter in cultivation) and have a square base.

[3] The species has two recognized subspecies:[4] Strombocactus disciformis is found in the Mexican states of Querétaro, Hidalgo, and Guanajuato, growing on almost vertical, weathered limestone rocks at altitudes of 1000 to 1600 meters.

[7] Both subspecies are classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, which states that it has a limited range and "is experiencing a decline in mature individuals due to illegal overcollection".