Xerophyte

Escontria currently consists of a single species native to Southern Mexico. Another species, E. lepidantha (= Pachycereus lepidanthus) was also included for a time, but since been moved into Pachycereus. For a little over a decade, Escontria was placed into Myrtillocactus for its many similar features. In general, Escontria grows to be good-sized trees with many branches. The stems up to 5 inches (12cm) in diameter have 6-8 well-defined ribs. A single central spine and several radial spines are fairly short and stout from oblong areoles closely placed along the stem. The flowers of Escontria set it apart from the other Mexican cereoid species in the unique "gold leaf" appearance of the buds and floral tubes. This metallic sheen is due to the presence of translucent membrane-like bracts. The open flower is yellow and cup-shaped, but not opening much wider than the floral tube. Plants of this species are not common in cultivation as their large size is not easily accommodated. The fruits which are the size of a large grape, purple-brown, with the papery bracts are collected locally in Mexico and sold in markets.