Xerophyte

Habit

It is a shrubby cactus species branching at the base, reaching up to 2-3 m tall.

Seeds

Very small, black and shining.

Description

Espostoa huanucoensisSN|6772]]SN|12852]] is a shrubby, tubular growing cactus well adapted to high altitudes. It is closely related to Espostoa lanataSN|12852]]SN|6772]] and often considered merely a variant of it. The most striking feature of this species is the warm “woolly coat” it possesses, which serve to protect it from the harsh sun common to its native habitat. More precisely the dense woolly bristles benefit the plant by reducing sun exposure and by trapping a layer of air next to the cactus body. This helps to cool the plant in the summer and keep it warm in the winter.

Cephalium

Covering 5-8 ribs, 1-2 m long, with white hairs 5-7 mm long.

Flowers

White, nocturnal, funnelform, nearly hidden by the wool, 5,5-7 cm long.

Blooming Season

Late spring, early summer.

Spines

All radials 30-40, bright golden yellow, needle-like, 0,5-1 cm long.

Ribs

17-25, low rounded, separated by linear furrows, 5-7 mm high.

Stem

Cylindrical, erect or diverging, green, 6-10 cm in diameter.

Fruits

Top shaped, near spherical 2-3,5 cm long, green or purplish-red, very juicy, sweet and edible.

Areoles

With yellowish brown felt almost concealed by white or yellowish hairs and spines. The hairs are neatly brushed, cunningly concealing the sharp spines that are a trap to the unwary.