Localities and flowering rhythm
The species was described from Montecristo National Park in the department of Santa Ana. The authors document epiphytic localities in cloud forest and the transition to pine–oak forest. Flowering was observed in March and April, and fruiting in July. [Cerén et al. 2017, pp.140–141]
Stems and flowers
Stems initially ascend and later become pendent. The plant develops cylindrical portions and flattened photosynthetic segments. Segment margins are bluntly serrate, and adult stem areoles lack the bristles present in seedlings. [Cerén et al. 2017, pp.140]
Flowers are straight, tubular and directed downwards. Tepals are usually yellow, sometimes pink and less often white. Their tips recurve in the distal third. Two widely separated stamen whorls help distinguish the species from the similar D. eichlamii and D. quezaltecus. [Cerén et al. 2017, pp.139–142]
The fruit is red and ovoid, with pink pulp. Seeds are glossy and black. The description links these characters to voucher specimens, so identification encompasses the combined features of stems and reproductive organs. [Cerén et al. 2017, pp.140–142]