Status:
valid
Authors:
(Phil.) Schlumpb.
Source:
Caryophyllales.org
Year:
2012
Citation Micro:
in Cactaceae Syst. Init. 28: 29. 2012.
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001431281
Common Names
- Leucostele atacamensis
- Atacama Leucostele
- Atacama Star Cactus
Description
Leucostele atacamensis (also called Atacama Leucostele, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant with a single stem that grows up to 1.2 m tall. It is native to the Caribbean, Central America and South America, and is found in tropical and subtropical moist montane forests.
Uses & Benefits
Leucostele atacamensis is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a medicinal plant for treating fever and other ailments.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Leucostele atacamensis sub. atacamensis
Leucostele atacamensis sub. pasacana (F.A.C.Weber ex Rümpler) Schlumpb.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Leucostele atacamensis has white flowers with yellow centers. The flowers are small, about 1 cm in diameter. The seeds are small, black and round. The seedlings are small and have a white, woolly covering.
Cultivation and Propagation
Leucostele atacamensis is a cactus that is easy to cultivate and propagate. It prefers a warm, sunny environment and well-draining soil. Water regularly during the growing season and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Propagation can be done through stem cuttings or by seed. Stem cuttings should be taken from the top of the plant and allowed to dry before planting. Seeds should be sown in a warm, sunny location and kept moist until germination.
Where to Find Leucostele atacamensis
Leucostele atacamensis is native to Chile and can be found in the Atacama Desert.
Leucostele atacamensis FAQ
What is the scientific name of Leucostele atacamensis?
Leucostele atacamensis
What is the common name of Leucostele atacamensis?
Leucostele atacamensis
What is the natural habitat of Leucostele atacamensis?
Leucostele atacamensis is native to the Andes Mountains of Peru, Bolivia, and Chile.
Species in the Leucostele genus
Leucostele atacamensis,
Leucostele bolligeriana,
Leucostele chiloensis,
Leucostele deserticola,
Leucostele litoralis,
Leucostele nigripilis,
Leucostele skottsbergii,
Leucostele terscheckii,
Leucostele tunariensis,
Leucostele werdermanniana,
Leucostele faundezii,
Leucostele undulosa,
Leucostele pectinifera,
Species in the Cactaceae family
Acanthocalycium glaucum,
Acanthocalycium spiniflorum,
Acanthocalycium thionanthum,
Acanthocalycium leucanthum,
Acanthocalycium rhodotrichum,
Acanthocalycium klimpelianum,
Acanthocereus chiapensis,
Acanthocereus tetragonus,
Acanthocereus guatemalensis,
Acanthocereus maculatus,
Acanthocereus canoensis,
Acanthocereus castellae,
Acanthocereus cuixmalensis,
Acanthocereus fosterianus,
Acanthocereus haackeanus,
Acanthocereus hesperius,
Acanthocereus hirschtianus,
Acanthocereus macdougallii,
Acanthocereus oaxacensis,
Acanthocereus paradoxus,
Acanthocereus rosei,
Acanthocereus tepalcatepecanus,
Acanthocereus atropurpureus,
Acharagma aguirreanum,
Acharagma roseanum,
Airampoa albisaetacens,
Airampoa armata,
Airampoa ayrampo,
Airampoa boliviensis,
Airampoa cedergreniana,
Airampoa chilensis,
Airampoa corrugata,
Airampoa erectoclada,
Airampoa ianthinantha,
Airampoa microdisca,
Airampoa minuscula,
Airampoa orurensis,
Airampoa panellana,
Airampoa picardoi,
Airampoa silvestris,
Airampoa tilcarensis,
Aporepiphyllum freiburgensis,
Aporocactus flagelliformis,
Aporocactus martianus,
Aporocactus moennighoffii,
Aporocactus knebelii,
Aporoheliocereus smithianus,
Ariocarpus agavoides,
Ariocarpus bravoanus,
Ariocarpus drabi,