A rare cactus from the Bolivian Andes, Cintia knizei thrives between 2800 and 4000 m above sea level in arid, nutrient-poor, rocky terrain.

A tiny geophytic cactus with an olive-green spherical stem marked by smooth, rounded tubercles. Its sunken woolly areoles lack spines. A deep tuberous root anchors the plant. Bright yellow flowers, larger than the stem, emerge at the apex.