About Leucostele atacamensis subsp. atacamensis
Leucostele atacamensis subsp. atacamensis is a tall columnar cactus that sometimes develops candelabra-shaped branches and grows into a tree-like form. It reaches heights between 1.5 and 10 meters (4.9 to 32.8 feet), with stems measuring 25 to 70 centimeters (9.8 to 27.6 inches) across. Stems have 20 to 30 ribs. Areoles have a diameter of up to 2 centimeters, and grow larger with age; each holds 50 to 100 maroon spines, the longest of which can reach 30 centimeters (12 inches) long. In younger individuals, yellowish to honey-colored spines are strongly needle-shaped, and grow up to 10 centimeters long, rarely reaching 15 centimeters. The two to four central spines, which can occasionally number up to eight, cannot always be clearly told apart from the peripheral spines. Its rose-white flowers grow to 10 to 14 centimeters (3.9 to 5.5 inches) long, stay open both day and night, and are produced along the sides of stems. The dark green fruits, which grow up to 5 centimeters (2.0 inches) long, are densely covered in hairs and are edible. This subspecies is widespread across three countries: in northeastern Chile, it occurs in the regions of Antofagasta, Tarapacá, Arica and Parinacota; in southwestern Bolivia, it is found in the departments of Oruro, Potosí, and Tarija; in northern Argentina, it occurs in the provinces of Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán, Catamarca, La Rioja, and San Juan. It grows at altitudes between 1700 and 3900 meters.
