Xerophyte

Central Spines

Absent or sometime1, 1-2.5 cm long.

Seeds

Very small, black and shining.

Description

Espostoa lanataSN|6772]]SN|6772]] (a.k.a. Peruvian Old Man Cactus) is a slow growing tree shaped cactus branching at the top with age, 1,5 to 7 m tall. Like Cephalocereus senilisSN|6893]]SN|6893]] (the Old Man of Mexico) it is a densely hairy species, covered by a warm woolly coat and well adapted to high altitudes, the main difference is the presence of sharp spines on Espostoa. It is wide spread in in habitat and quite variable in size and spines for this reason it has received several names.

Flowers

The flowers arises from a lateral pseudocephalium up to 1 m long, 4-5 ribs wide, with brown or grey spines and wool contrasting with the snow-white spines on the rest of the body. The flowers are nocturnal, funnelform, nearly hidden by the wool, up to 5,5 cm long and 3,5 cm in diameter, white to purple. Small scales on the ovary and flowers tube, have long silky, caducous, hairs.

Blooming Season

Late spring, early summer.

Ribs

18-25, low rounded, separated by linear furrows, approx 5-8 mm tall.

Stem

Cylindrical, erect or spreading, 6-10 cm in diameter from a short trunk (approx 1 m tall up to 20 cm in diameter).

Radial Spines

30-40 acicular, spreading, reddish or yellowish brown, turning grey as they age, 3-8 mm long.

Fruits

Top shaped, near spherical approx 2,5 cm in long and in diameter, purplish-red, very juicy, sweet and edible. The colourful fruit project from the woolly mass of the lateral cephalium and are a startling sight.

Areoles

Elliptical, closely set, 7-10 mm apart, 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.