About Leucostele deserticola (Werderm.) Schlumpb.
Leucostele deserticola is a cactus that grows in a shrubby form. It branches from its base, with more or less upright branches, and reaches a height between 1 and 1.5 meters. Its shoots are cylindrical, with eight to twelve deeply notched ribs that have prominent transverse grooves located above the areoles. The areoles are covered in dark wool, which is occasionally orange on new shoots, and are spaced up to 1.5 centimeters apart. This species has one to three central spines, which are sometimes curved and grow up to 12 centimeters long. It also has 15 to 25 unequal, thin marginal spines; these are darker when young and turn gray as they age, and measure 1 to 1.5 centimeters long. The flowers are funnel-shaped, white, and 7 to 8 centimeters long. The pericarpel and flower tube are covered in dark wool. The spherical, green fruits of Leucostele deserticola are tasty. Leucostele deserticola is widespread in the Chilean regions of Antofagasta and Atacama, where it grows on the hills of the Cordillera de la Costa at altitudes up to 1000 meters.
