Origin and Habitat: Huanuco, Peru.
Altitude: 1800-2200 metres above sea level.
Synonyms:
See all synonyms of Espostoa huanucoensis
Description: Espostoa huanucoensisSN|6772]]SN|12852]] is a shrubby, tubular growing cactus well adapted to high altitudes. It is closely related to Espostoa lanataSN|12852]]SN|6772]] and often considered merely a variant of it. The most striking feature of this species is the warm “woolly coat” it possesses, which serve to protect it from the harsh sun common to its native habitat. More precisely the dense woolly bristles benefit the plant by reducing sun exposure and by trapping a layer of air next to the cactus body. This helps to cool the plant in the summer and keep it warm in the winter.
Habit: It is a shrubby cactus species branching at the base, reaching up to 2-3 m tall.
Stem: Cylindrical, erect or diverging, green, 6-10 cm in diameter.
Ribs: 17-25, low rounded, separated by linear furrows, 5-7 mm high.
Areoles: With yellowish brown felt almost concealed by white or yellowish hairs and spines. The hairs are neatly brushed, cunningly concealing the sharp spines that are a trap to the unwary.
Spines: All radials 30-40, bright golden yellow, needle-like, 0,5-1 cm long.
Lateral cephalia (flower producing structure): Covering 5-8 ribs, 1-2 m long, with white hairs 5-7 mm long.
Flowers: White, nocturnal, funnelform, nearly hidden by the wool, 5,5-7 cm long.
Blooming season: Late spring, early summer.
Fruits: Top shaped, near spherical 2-3,5 cm long, green or purplish-red, very juicy, sweet and edible.
Seeds: Very small, black and shining.
Bibliography: Major references and further lectures
1) James Cullen, Sabina G. Knees, H. Suzanne Cubey “The European Garden Flora Flowering Plants: A Manual for the Identification of Plants Cultivated in Europe, Both Out-of-Doors and Under Glass” Cambridge University Press, 11/Aug./2011
2) David Hunt, Nigel Taylor “The New Cactus Lexicon” DH Books, 2006
3) Edward F. Anderson “The Cactus Family” Timber Press, 2001
Cultivation and Propagation: Espostoa huanucoensisSN|12852]]SN|12852]] is a summer-growing and easy cactus to grow. It makes great potted specimens.
Growth rate: Espostoa produces noticeable amounts of growth each year if kept well fed and watered throughout the warmest months, particularly if it has been acclimatised to accept full sun. Once this cactus is established it can easily produce 20 cm of growth every year. Most plants will offset readily, and clumps can be produced in a few years. It will fill a large pot in time however, so space is needed if it is to show of its best.
Soils: It likes very porous standard cactus mix soil with little organic matter (peat, humus).
Repotting: Repotting every 2-3 years. Needs lots and lots of space to grow, use large container filled with very porous compost. Use pot with good drainage.
Watering: Water the plants well and allow them to dry before watering again. This species seems to do better with a little more water than most cacti.
Fertilization: During the growing season fertilize them monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
Sun Exposure: Outside full sun, inside needs bright light, and some direct sun. During winter month, put them in a cool luminous place and encourage them to enter winter dormancy by withholding water and fertiliser over the winter as they will etiolate, or become thin, due to lower levels of light.
Hardiness: It is easy to grow and cold hardy as low as -12°C (or less).
Pest & diseases: They are susceptible to fungal diseases if overwatered, but are not nearly as sensitive as many other cacti, especially in warm weather. If kept damp through cold periods, they will invariably suffer.
Propagation: Cutting or from seed. The seeds are quite easy to germinate and grow. Their main requirements consist of high humidity levels, free-draining soil mix, and enough water, light, and nutrition.
Uses: Woolly hairs of the cephalia have been used for pillow filling in Peru.
Espostoa huanucoensis f. cristata hort.: Crested form.
