Sub-species
There are up to four subspecies that are recognised including subsp. scopa, marchesii, neobuenekeri.
subsp. succinea
This cactus is similar to the species but is distinguished by having less ribs and yellow spines. It is naturally found in the State Rio Grande de sul in the southern Brazil.

var.crest
This cactus forms a horizontal column habit otherwise is similar to the species.

Cultivar
'Intermis'
This small globose clump forming cactus has spherical fleshy green stems with 18-21 ribs that are lined with woolly white areoles that are spineless all have a few short white needle-like spines. It produces pale yellow funnel shaped flowers with a yellow stamens and bright red anther.

This distinctive cactus is easy to cultivate preferring a neutral to slightly acid well drained soil in a warm well lit to semi shaded position and is commonly grown as a potted specimen plant indoors.