About Haageocereus pseudomelanostele (Werderm. & Backeb.) Backeb.
Haageocereus pseudomelanostele is a shrubby cactus that sometimes grows in clustered groups. Its upright shoots are heavily branched from the base, reaching up to 70 cm (28 inches) in height and 8 cm (3.1 inches) in diameter. This species has large, narrow areoles covered in a lining of white wool. Most individuals produce only one central spine: it is initially protruding, later points downward, is strong and needle-like, and can grow up to 5 cm (2.0 inches) long. In some cases, an additional 3 to 6 secondary central spines with a grayish tint are also present. Numerous yellowish radial spines, up to 1.5 cm (0.59 inches) long, are mixed with many white bristles that reach up to 3 cm (1.2 inches) long. The flowers of Haageocereus pseudomelanostele are white with dark purple outer surfaces, and have a greenish-white to red throat. They measure approximately 10 cm (3.9 inches) long. Its bright red fruits are ovate in shape, growing up to 6 cm (2.4 inches) long and 4 cm (1.6 inches) in diameter. This cactus is distributed across the Peruvian regions of Ancash, Ica, and Lima, where it grows at altitudes between 300 and 2000 meters.
