Leucostele pectinifera

Leucostele pectinifera is a species of Leucostele found in Chile.

Description
Leucostele pectinifera can grow up to 80 cm tall, featuring approximately 15 branches, some of which are arched and have a 5 cm diameter. The stems display 10-11 ribs, measuring 2 cm wide, and exhibit obovate to round areoles, each 2-3 mm high and 0.7-1.2 cm wide, with yellow and gray tones. There are four central spines, varying in length from 1.5 to 6 cm. Some possess a dark brown tip, others have a green base and brown tip, while some are light gray with a brown tip, conforming to an arched configuration. Additionally, the areoles have 12-15 light brown radial spines, measuring 2 cm in length.

The flowers of this species are covered in black wool. The fruits, measure 3 cm in length and 4.5 cm in diameter, are enriched with subulate scales, each 3 mm in size and abundant in brown and gray color hairs emerging from the axils.

Distribution
Leucostele pectinifera is native to Chile, specifically in Region IV of Coquimbo, and can be found at altitudes ranging from sea level to 500 meters.

Taxonomy
The species is named after the pectinate distribution of radial spines in adult areoles.