With its robust columns up to 1.3 m tall and up to 20 cm in diameter, this species is often easily spotted from far away. Its distribution area is southern Namaqualand, where it occurs on sandy/loamy flats.
The stems are simple or rarely branched and have large hexagonal tubercles and short-lived leaves. They are decorated with sharp hard spines which are derived from sterile peduncles and up to 5 cm long.
The inflorescences (cyathia) are usually solitary on short peduncles and appear in April-June.
E. fasciculata is similar, but much smaller and does not have sharp pointed spines.
A rare crested specimen
