About Leucostele atacamensis (Phil.) Schlumpb.
Leucostele atacamensis (Phil.) Schlumpb. is a species of cactus with a tall columnar growth habit. It sometimes forms branches in a candelabra shape and develops a treelike form. It reaches between 1.5 and 10 meters (4.9 to 32.8 feet) in height, and its stems grow 25 to 70 centimeters (9.8 to 27.6 inches) across. Stems of this species have 20 to 30 ribs. The areoles can reach up to 2 centimeters in diameter, and grow larger with age. Each areole produces 50 to 100 maroon spines, the longest of which reach 30 centimeters (12 inches) in length. In younger individuals, yellowish to honey-colored thorns are distinctly needle-like, growing up to 10 centimeters long, and only rarely reaching 15 centimeters. Two to four central spines are produced, rarely up to eight, and these cannot always be clearly told apart from the peripheral spines. The flowers of Leucostele atacamensis are rose-white, 10 to 14 centimeters (3.9 to 5.5 inches) long, open both day and night, and grow on the sides of the stems. Its dark green fruits are densely covered with hairs, grow up to 5 centimeters (2.0 inches) long, and are edible. This species is widespread in northeastern Chile, specifically in the regions of Antofagasta, Tarapacá, Arica and Parinacota; southwestern Bolivia, in the departments of Oruro, Potosí, and Tarija; and northern Argentina, in the provinces of Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán, Catamarca, La Rioja, and San Juan. It grows at altitudes between 1700 and 3900 meters.
