Espostoa melanostele
| Espostoa melanostele | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily: | Cactoideae |
| Genus: | Espostoa |
| Species: | E. melanostele
|
| Binomial name | |
| Espostoa melanostele (Vaupel) Borg
| |
Espostoa melanostele is a species of rare,[1] endangered, long-lived, slow-growing plant in the family Cactaceae.
Endangerment[edit]
Horticultural collection and the fact that the plant is slow growing contribute to the fact that the plant is endangered.
Drought tolerance[edit]
This xerophyte is tolerant of most droughts when mature.
Subspecies[edit]
- Espostoa melanostele subsp. melanostele
- Espostoa melanostele subsp. nana (F.Ritter) G.J.Charles synonym Espostoa nana F.Ritter
Uses[edit]
The plant is not only used for its fruit, but also grown for decorative qualities, such as its yellow flowers and its white ''fleece''.
Cultivars[edit]
A cultivar, E. melanostele 'Peruvian old lady', is so-named because of its resemblance to an old lady (especially when flowering and fruiting).
Hazards[edit]
The spines may be considered a hazard to children, but actually come off the skin very easily with proper handling.
References[edit]
- CX Furtado, (1964). Concerning the types of genera, Taxon.
