Areoles are covered with short white or yellowish glochids, bearing up to 10 spines each. Spines are yellow or brownish, enclosed in white papery sheath. Flowers are about 1 inch across with a few red or light red petals, and bloom June to August. The green fruit is pear-shaped, two inches long. Tolerates cold well if it is dry, but needs warmth and sun in summer.
Propagation is by cuttings.
Even the fallen fruits put down roots from their tubercles. Joints detach so easily onto clothing or flesh that it seems as if they jump. The other common name refers to the chainlike clusters of light green fruit that develop over the years.