Appearance
''E. melanostele'' is a columnar cactus native to Peru. Spines easily detach from the plant. In rain, flowers close up completely. When dry, flowers open up again. Petals are usually joined in the wild, but some cultivated forms have prominently separated petals. Flowers are yellow, diurnal, and are rarely born on a cephalium, unlike its close cousin ''E. lanata''. They start opening up in morning and stay open until evening, when they start to close up again for night. They are pollinated by insects. The fruit is edible, sweet, and juicy. A boost in growth is usually given by putting worm castings in the soil that the plant is living in. Care for the plant is no different from caring for other Espostoas.Naming
* ''Espostoa melanostele'' subsp. ''melanostele''⤷ ''Espostoa melanostele'' subsp. ''nana'' G.J.Charles synonym ''Espostoa nana'' F.RitterCommon names include ''Cactus strawflower'' and ''Old lady cactus''.
Uses
The plant is not only used for its fruit, but also grown for decorative qualities, such as its yellow flowers and its white ''fleece''.References:
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