Espostoa
Genus of plants
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Espostoa is a genus 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 2500m. Its fruit is edible, sweet, and juicy. The genus is named after Nicolas E. Esposto, a renowned botanist from Lima.[2]
| Espostoa | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Espostoa lanata | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily: | Cactoideae |
| Tribe: | Cereeae |
| Subtribe: | Trichocereinae |
| Genus: | Espostoa Britton & Rose[1] |
| Type species | |
| Espostoa lanata | |
| Species | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Description
Members of this genus are similar to those in the Mexican genus Cephalocereus. They have pink-white flowers, and are covered with spines and white hair. In adulthood, a cephalium sometimes appears, similar to the Mexican genus Cephalocereus.[3] Only the older specimens can divide.[citation needed] The cephalium is elongated and forms along the outer side of each column facing away from the center of the plant.[4] This kind of inflorescence is unique to the cactus family.[citation needed]
Taxonomy
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 propagated by seed. For full development they must be planted in the ground. The cultivated specimens very rarely flourish.
Like all cacti, Espostoa requires a sunny location and well-drained soil. But in summer, it appreciates fertilizer and wetter conditions. In winter, it needs a rest[clarification needed], but the temperature must not drop below 12 °C.
Species list
As of October 2023[update], Plants of the World Online accepted the following species:[1]
| Image | Scientific name | Distribution |
|---|---|---|
 | Espostoa blossfeldiorum (Werderm.) Buxb. | Peru |
| Espostoa calva F.Ritter | Peru (Amazonas) | |
| Espostoa cremnophila Hoxey | Peru | |
 | Espostoa frutescens Madsen | Ecuador |
 | Espostoa hylaea F.Ritter | Peru (Amazonas) |
 | Espostoa lanata (Kunth) Britton & Rose | Ecuador, Peru |
 | Espostoa melanostele (Vaupel) Borg | Peru |
 | Espostoa mirabilis F.Ritter | Peru (Huanuco) |
 | Espostoa senilis (F.Ritter) N.P.Taylor | Peru (Ancash) |
| Espostoa superba F.Ritter | Peru (Ancash) | |
| Espostoa utcubambensis G.J.Charles | Peru (Amazonas) | |
