Neochilenia crispa is a captivating cactus species known for its distinctive, densely packed, and often twisted tubercles. These tubercles, unlike typical rounded ones, are often elongated and angular, giving the plant a highly textured appearance. The species is highly variable in its spination, with some individuals boasting long, curled spines, while others have shorter, more appressed spines. This variability adds to the allure of Neochilenia crispa for collectors.