Espostoa huanucoensis

Espostoa huanucoensis is a shrubby, tubular growing cactus well adapted to high altitudes. It is closely related to Espostoa lanata 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.