This species is endemic to Baja California, Mexico, where it generally occurs in alluvial plains. The club-like joints on this species are covered with fierce, flattened central spines and numerous lateral spines and glochids. These plants always look somewhat beat up, which is part of their charm both in cultivation and in the wild. The flowers are yellow-green. We grow this species outside in Tucson, where it has been undamaged at 15F. These plants are rooted cuttings in 2-gallon pots.