Haageocereus pseudomelanostele is a species of Haageocereus found in Peru.[1]
Haageocereus pseudomelanostele grows shrubby, sometimes forming groups. The upright shoots are richly branched from the base up to high and in diameter. The large areoles are narrow and lined with white wool. The usually only one central spine is initially protruding, later directed downwards, strong, needle-like and up to long. Sometimes there are additional secondary 3 to 6 central spines with a gray tinge. Numerous yellowish radial spines are up to long and mixed with many white bristles up to long.
The white flowers are dark purple on the outside and have a greenish-white to red throat. They are about long. The bright red fruits are ovate, up to long and in diameter.[2]
This species is extremely variable, and different populations have been described as distinct species
The following are recognized subspecies:[1]
| Image | Subspecies | Distribution |
|---|---|---|
| Haageocereus pseudomelanostele subsp. aureispinus | Peru. | |
| Haageocereus pseudomelanostele subsp. carminiflorus | Peru. | |
| Haageocereus pseudomelanostele subsp. chryseus | Peru. | |
| Haageocereus pseudomelanostele subsp. pseudomelanostele | W. Peru | |
| Haageocereus pseudomelanostele subsp. turbidus | Peru. | |
Haageocereus pseudomelanostele is found in the Peruvian regions of Ancash, Ica and Lima at altitudes of 300 to 2000 meters.
The first description as Cereus pseudomelanostele was made in 1932 by Erich Werdermann and Curt Backeberg.[3] Curt Backeberg placed the species in the genus Haageocereus in 1936. Other nomenclatural synonyms are Binghamia pseudomelanostele (Werderm. & Backeb.) Backeb. (1932, incorrect name, ICBN article 11.4) and Echinopsis pseudomelanostele (Werderm. & Backeb.) Anceschi & Magli (2013).