About Armatocereus matucanensis Backeb.
Armatocereus matucanensis Backeb. has a tree-like growth habit, branching particularly from its base and growing up to 6 meters tall. A strong trunk is usually formed. Its upright, grey-green shoots with a bluish tint often form clumps, and are divided into segments 30 to 50 cm (12 to 20 in) long with a diameter of 7 to 13 cm (2.8 to 5.1 in). The shoots have five to eight ribs separated by shallow furrows. The spines are primrose-colored, angular, flattened and slightly twisted brown; they later turn gray, and have darker tips. There are one to four central spines that measure 3 to 7 cm in length, and 8 to 14 spreading radial spines that are 5 to 15 mm (0.20 to 0.59 in) long. The narrow, funnel-shaped white flowers grow either horizontally or erect. They reach up to 10 cm (3.9 in) long and have a diameter of 6 cm (2.4 in). The ovoid fruits are green and 8 to 13 cm (3.1 to 5.1 in) long. This species is distributed in Loja Province, Ecuador, and the Lima region of Peru.
