About Leucostele skottsbergii (Backeb. ex Skottsb.) P.C.Guerrero & Helmut Walter
Leucostele skottsbergii is a cactus that grows as a shrub, with a small number of columnar branches that branch from its base. Mature individuals can reach up to 2 meters in height. Its cylindrical, gray-green shoots can grow up to 14 centimeters in diameter, and develop between 16 and 21 ribs. The areoles located on these ribs are grayish black. Thorns that emerge from the areoles range in color from light brown to gray. There are usually 4 to 6 central spines, which grow up to 12 centimeters long. Between 22 and 26 marginal spines are flexible, spreading, and bristly; they are not especially piercing and reach up to 6 centimeters in length. The funnel-shaped flowers are white or pink, grow on the sides of the shoots, open during the day, and measure 10 to 12 centimeters long. The flower tube is covered in black or gray hairs. The fruits are spherical and green. This species is widely distributed in Chile's Coquimbo region, where it grows at altitudes between 200 and 800 meters.
