Sarcocaulon multifidum, was first described by Knuth in 1912. It is a semi-erect dwarf shrublets with long-lived, fleshy and knobbly stems, being able to reach to 20 cm high, and up to 25cm wide with swollen main root. It usually lacks spines and has greyish, finely divided, hairy leaves. The delicate blooms of Sarcocaulon multifidum are white, pale pink or magenta with red or crimson throat markings and sometimes, but rarely, pure white.