Scientific Name
Espostoa melanostele (Vaupel) Borg
Common Name(s)
Peruvian Old Lady
Synonym(s)
Binghamia melanostele, Cephalocereus melanostele, Cereus melanostele, Echinopsis melanostele, Pseudoespostoa melanostele
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Trichocereeae
Genus: Espostoa
Etymology
The specific epithet "melanostele" (pronounced "meh-lan-oh-STEE-lee") means "having a black (or dark) column." It likely refers to the darkened columnar appearance of the stems of this species, which results from central spines that initially appear yellow and become black with age.
Origin
Espostoa melanostele is native to the mountainous regions of Peru. It grows at elevations between 4,000 and 7,000 feet (1,220 and 2,130 m).
Description
Espostoa melanostele is a slow-growing columnar cactus with stems densely covered with white wool, hiding the body, including sharp yellow spines that become darker with age. The stems grow up to 7 feet (2.1 m) tall and branch from the base, forming a clump over time. They are erect, cylindrical, have 18 to 25 ribs, and can reach a diameter of 4 inches (10 cm). Raised in a pot, the stems will get only about 10 inches (25 cm) in height in 10 years. The spines are needle-like and can measure up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long. Each areole bears 40 to 50 radial and 1 to 3 central spines.
The flowers are nocturnal, white, bell-shaped, and can reach a length of 2.4 inches (6 cm) and a diameter of 2 inches (5 cm). They appear in whitish, yellow, or brown lateral cephalium in late spring and early summer, closing in rainstorms and reopening when dry. The edible fruits are berry-like, greenish-white to reddish, with dull black seeds inside.
Subspecies of Espostoa melanostele
- Espostoa melanostele subsp. melanostele
- Espostoa melanostele subsp. nana
How to Grow and Care for Espostoa melanostele
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Several species of Espostoa are particularly 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) long. 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 who 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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