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Espostoa

(Genus)

Overview

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Espostoa is a of columnar cacti, comprising 16 species known from the Andes of southern Ecuador and Peru. It usually lives at an altitude of between 800m and 2500 m . Its fruit is sweet juicy and edible. The genus is named after Nicolas E. Esposto, a renowned botanist from Lima.

These candles shrub are covered with thorns and white hair. Only the older specimens can divide.

In adulthood, sometimes appear a cephalium, like in the Mexican genera cephalocereus.

They were discovered by Alexander von Humboldt and Aimé Bonpland in the early nineteenth century.

They are appreciated for their decorative qualities due to their white fleece. They can be reproduced by seed. But for a fully development, they must be in the ground. The cultivated specimens very rarely flourish (pale pink flowers).

Like all Cacti, Espostoa requires sunny locations and well drained soil. But in summer, he appreciates the contributions of fertilizer and a wetland. In winter, it needs a rest, but the temperature must not drop below 12 ° C.

Taxonomy

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Species List

Sometimes called "old Peruvian man", it is the most common species. Arborescent type tree up to 5 m high in the wild and 1 m in culture. Trunk diameter 5 to 12 cm in diameter, with 20 to 25 ribs flattened obscured by tissue woolly. The white cover is due to long fuses back. The central sharp goads sometimes cross the wool up to 2 inches long. Older plants have a cephalium on the side from which appear white flowers at night.

synonymy

The following genera or species have been included in this genus:

Taxonomy

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The Genus Espostoa is further organized into finer groupings including:

Further Reading

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Sources

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Last Revised: August 24, 2012
2012/08/24 14:44:22