Scientific Name
Espostoa lanata (Kunth) Britton & Rose
Common Name(s)
Cotton Ball Cactus, New Old Man Cactus, Peruvian Old Man, Peruvian Old Man Cactus, Peruvian Snowball Cactus, Snowball Cactus, Snowball Old Man
Synonym(s)
Cactus lanatus, Cereus lanatus, Cleistocactus lanatus, Oreocereus lanatus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Trichocereeae
Genus: Espostoa
Etymology
The specific epithet "lanata" (pronounced "la-NA-tuh") means "woolly, downy" and refers to the stems of this species, which are covered in a woolly coat.
Origin
The native range of Espostoa lanata extends from southern Ecuador to northern Peru along the western slopes of the Andes.
Description
Espostoa lanata is a large cactus with densely hairy stems, which initially grow columnar, but develop branches and become tree-like with age. It can grow up to 23 feet (7 m) tall, and the trunk can reach a diameter of 8 inches (20 cm). The branches are cylindrical, have 18 to 25 sharp ribs that are lined with clusters of spines, and can reach a diameter of 4 inches (10 cm). The woolly coat typically hides the ribs and spines. Each areole bears 30 to 40 spreading, needle-shaped, reddish- or yellowish-brown radial spines that become gray with age, measuring up to 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) long. The central spines are usually absent, or sometimes one is present, which can grow up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long.
This cactus blooms at night from a lateral cephalium after several years. The flowers are funnel-shaped, white to purple, and appear in late spring to early summer. They can reach a length of 2.2 inches (5 cm) and a diameter of 1.4 inches (3.5 cm).
Espostoa lanata looks very similar to Cephalocereus senilis but can be distinguished by the presence of sharp spines.
Subspecies of Espostoa lanata
- Espostoa lanata subsp. huanucoensis
- Espostoa lanata subsp. lanata
- Espostoa lanata subsp. lanianuligera
- Espostoa lanata subsp. ruficeps
How to Grow and Care for Espostoa lanata
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Several species of Espostoa are especially popular in cultivation due to their fuzzy, white, hairy appearance. Large commercial growers typically sell the plants as stems up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall. However, being large columnar species, these plants do not grow nearly as vigorously in pots as they would in the ground. Plants tend to fill the pots, quickly becoming pot-bound, and then growth slows to a crawl. These plants rarely, if ever, reach maturity, meaning they don't produce the cephalium and subsequently do not flower. On the other hand, those in warmer climates that can plant the species directly in the ground may indeed have plants that form a nice grouping of stems that will eventually flower.
Like all cacti, Espostoa requires a sunny location and well-drained soil. However, in summer, it benefits from fertilizer and wetter conditions. In winter, it needs a rest, but the temperature must not drop below 54°F (12°C).
See more in "How to Grow and Care for Espostoa."
Links
- Back to genus Espostoa
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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