Neoraimondia arequipensis

Neoraimondia arequipensis, synonym Neoraimondia macrostibas, is a tree-like cactus (family Cactaceae) native to western Peru. It was first described in 1835 as Cereus arequipensis.

Description
Neoraimondia arequipensis grows like a shrub, branches at the base, and does not form a stem. The large, upright shoots can reach heights of up to 10 meters, with a diameter of up to 40 centimetres. There are 5 to 8 ribs. The cone-like, conspicuous areoles can grow to be up to 5 centimetres long. Some thorns are known to be as large as 25 centimetres long, with up to 7 thorns per areole.

The species has the largest areoles of any cactus; up to 10 cm long and less than half as wide. From these emerge spines up to 24 cm long. It is also the source of an ingredient in the psychoactive beverage cimora.

The greenish-white to pink-red flowers reach a diameter of up to 3 centimetres. Their pericarpel is studded with short hairs, and sometimes inconspicuous spines. The round fruits are purple and have a diameter of up to 7 centimetres. They are covered with brownish, felt-like areoles with short thorns.

Distribution
N. arequipensis is endemic to Peru, where it is found in many regions of the country, including Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Hauncavelica, Lima, Lambayique and Piura. It commonly grows in rocky coastal habitats, desert scrub and inter-Andean valleys at altitudes of between 0 and 2,800 metres above sea level.

Taxonomy
The species was first described as Cereus arequipensis in 1833 by Franz Julius Ferdinand Meyen. It was later placed in the genus Neoraimondia by Curt Backeberg in 1937.

Conservation status
This species is listed as "least concern" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is widely distributed and has a stable population, however in the southern part of its distribution, it faces localised threats such as harvesting for firewood, harvesting for medicinal purposes and habitat clearing for mining. These threats are not sufficient enough to warrant a higher threat category.

Uses
N. arequipensis is harvested for firewood for brick ovens. It is also used as a medicinal plant, where the epidermis is used as a remedy for menopause. It is also used locally as an ornamental plant.