This genus of perennial cacti are columnar with some branching at the base and form a clump. The greyish-green trunks and branches are covered in areoles that have many spines along the straight ribs. The cup-shaped white to purple flowers appear in summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Espostoa species are naturally found from Central and Southern America and extending to New Mexico. They prefer a very well drained, poor to moderately fertile gravelly soil in an open sunny position and are frost tender but drought tolerant.

These plants are grown for their upright habit and stems that are covering in silky hairs. They are planted in small or arid gardens in rockeries or cacti gardens. They are also used as potted specimens and if temperatures fall below 16ş C they are place in glasshouse or protected environment. They are slow growing and should not be watered during winter. ID 598

Espostoa(es-PO-stô-a)species

Cactaceae(kak-TAY-see-ee)