| ID Characteristic | Reddish-brown spikes, hence the common name. |
| Shape | Columnar. |
| Landscape | In arid rock gardens, in a potted succulent collection, as a potted patio plant or as a solitary potted specimen. |
| Propagation | By cuttings or seed. |
| Cultivation | Plant in extremely well-drained loamy or clay soil under full sun. Repot every winter. |
| Habitat | Dry plains and rocky arid hillsides. |
| Bark/Stem Description | Long spines accompanied by pale and thin fibres. Smooth fleshy succulent surface. |
| Flower Description | Showy blooms appear in a crown formation around the top of the cactus. |
| Colour Description | Violet to fuchsia blooms. Dark reddish-brown spines and light tan to white fuzzy fibres. Dark green flesh. |
| Texture Description | Spiky. |
