Espostoa

Espostoa is a genus of columnar cacti, comprising 16 species known from the Andes of southern Ecuador and Peru. It usually lives at an altitude of between 800m and 2500m. Its fruit is edible, sweet, and juicy. The genus is named after Nicolas E. Esposto, a renowned botanist from Lima. thumb|Espostoa melanostele subsp. nana

==Description== Members of this genus are similar to those in the Mexican genus Cephalocereus. They have pink-white flowers, and are covered with spines and white hair. In adulthood, a cephalium sometimes appears, similar to the Mexican genus Cephalocereus. Only the older specimens can divide. The cephalium is elongated and forms along the outer side of each column facing away from the center of the plant. This kind of inflorescence is unique to the cactus family.