Armatocereus godingianus

Armatocereus godingianus grows in the form of a shrub or tree with numerous spreading shoots and reaches heights of up to 10 meters. A smooth trunk of up to 1.5 meters in height and a diameter of 15 - 50 cm (20 in) is often formed. The dark green shoots are divided into 30 - 60 cm (24 in) long segments with a diameter of 7 - 10 cm (3.9 in), which are thickest at their base. There are seven to eleven ribs, separated by deep incisions, that are 1.5 - 2.5 cm (0.98 in) high. The 15 - 25 needle-like, flexible, brown or yellow spines later turn gray and are spread out in all directions. They have a length of 1 - 5 cm (2.0 in). The white flowers are 7 to 9 cm (2.8 to 3.5 in) long and have a diameter of 5 to 7 cm (2.0 to 2.8 in). The egg-shaped fruits are initially green and later turn brown and 6 to 13 cm (2.4 to 5.1 in) long.

Armatocereus godingianus is common in Ecuador in Chimborazo Province along the Río Chanchán and in Azuay Province at altitudes of 1200 to 2300 meters.