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Echinomastus erectocentrus var. erectocentrus is a small cactus to 6 inches tall with tubercules about 6 mm long. Plants have central spines pointed upward. Variety erectocentrus and var. acunensis are virtually indistinguishable, and may not be taxonomically distinct, according to Dr. Don Pinkava of Arizona State University. Characters based on size and flower color were formerly used to separate the two taxa, but these are not good indicators. Geographic range is now used to separate the two, with var. erectocentra occurring from the general Tucson area east and south to the Mexican border, and var. acunensis in northern Sonora, Organpipe National Monument, northward and east to the Florence area. Variety erectocentrus grows on alluvial fans and hills, usually limestone at elevations of 1300-2000 ft.
The taxon is listed as a Species of Concern with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the primary threat is collection.
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