The vingerghaap, as Huernia pillansii is commonly known, differs from the typical Huernia stem shape. Its bristle-covered stems resemble those of Hoodia more than its generic compatriots.
The typical Huernia stem has four to six vertical stem ridges of spaced tubercles, topped with teeth or rudimentary leaves that may drop off early. The stems in picture have numerous vertical arrays of tiny barrel-like tubercles with soft spines or bristles at their tips, bringing them the shaggy look.