Structure and identification
Stems are spherical and dark green, with a slightly sunken apex. Lateral spines interweave strongly. Lower ones may be yellowish, side ones darker, and upper ones clustered in two layers and partly flattened. The single central spine may be absent. When present, it grows straight and projects forwards. Flowers are pale yellow, with paler staminal filaments and a greenish stigma. [Dicht and Lüthy 2005, pp. 164–165]
Habitat and variation
The monograph indicates the western slopes of Sierra Madre Oriental in Nuevo León and Coahuila. Sites occur on limestone gravel and alluvial substrates at hill bases and on ridges. The species may grow with C. nickelsiae and C. pseudechinus, with which it can be confused. Identification requires considering the entire arrangement of tubercles and spines. [Dicht and Lüthy 2005, pp. 164–165]