Espostoopsis

Espostoopsis
File:Espostoopsis dybowskii.jpg
Kingdom	Plantae
Family	Cactaceae
Subfamily	Cactoideae
Tribe	Cereeae
SubTribe	Cereinae
Genus	Espostoopsis
Species
Notes	Taxonomy follows Joël Lodé (2015). A monotypic genus endemic to Brazil.

Etymology

The name means "similar to Espostoa," referring to the superficial resemblance between the two genera due to their woolly appearance.

Description

Espostoopsis is a monotypic genus of shrubby cacti[cite: 1026, 1030].

• Stems: Features erect, columnar stems branching from the base, reaching 2–4 meters in height. The epidermis is covered with white hairs for protection.
• Ribs: Numerous (22–28) and low, with hairy areoles.
• Cephalium: Adult reproductive stems develop a lateral cephalium composed of dense wool, where the flowers emerge.
• Flowers: Nocturnal and self-sterile; they are shortly tubular to bell-shaped and whitish in color. Pollination is performed by bats.
• Fruits: Egg-shaped, fleshy, and indehiscent; they are pale pink and retain dried perianth remains.
• Seeds: Rough, tuberculate, shiny, and brown. Dispersal is ensured by birds and bats.

Habitat

The genus grows in the caatinga (spiny dry forest) of northeastern Brazil. It is found on limestone formations known as "dog's teeth" or on gneissic inselbergs at altitudes between 250 m and 750 m. It often forms dense but fragmented populations.

Distribution

• Brazil: Endemic to northern Bahia[cite: 1026, 1030].

Species

According to Lodé (2015), the genus contains only one species:

• Espostoopsis dybowskii (Type species)

Taxonomy

Formerly included in Austrocephalocereus, Coleocephalocereus, and Espostoa, molecular studies (Lendel et al., 2006) confirmed that Espostoopsis is a distinct genus. It is now placed in the subtribe Cereinae[cite: 1026, 1030].