Solitary, globular plant with slightly flattened top; spines almost conceal the body. Radial spines white to yellowish or blue-gray at the tip, aging to gray, spreading and sometimes interlaced. Four central spines stronger, needle-like, white to brownish with dark brown to black tips pointing upward; the lower one is curved, robust, directed outward and downward. Yellowish flower with a brownish midstripe