The plants included in this tribe exhibit significant morphological variability, ranging from globular and clump-forming shapes to species that can develop into columnar forms, reaching up to 1 m in height.

They may display well-defined, continuous ribs or, conversely, a succession of spirally arranged tubercles.

Regarding the spines, these are typically fine and not very aggressive, often being practically harmless in many cases. Some genera have fibrous roots, while others develop taproots.

The similarities among the different genera within the tribe are primarily evident in their reproductive structures. The flowers can be solitary, appear in clusters of several from the same areole, or, in some species, form clearly defined cephalia.

The flowers are generally diurnal, predominantly light-colored, especially yellow. A characteristic feature of this tribe is the red coloration of the stigma lobes. In most cases, the pericarpel is scaly, with small hairs or bristles. The flowers are medium-sized, and their shape varies from funnel-shaped to tubular, depending on the genus.

The fruit is usually dry, though in some cases it may exhibit a certain degree of fleshiness; it is typically covered with hairs or even bristles and is dehiscent. The seeds are, in most cases, black, truncated or helmet-shaped, medium-sized, with the hilum and micropyle regions fused.

Molecular analyses suggest that the tribe is polyphyletic. This, combined with its propensity for natural hybridization, complicates its classification and indicates that in future studies, it may tend to be divided.