Haageocereus pseudomelanostele

Haageocereus pseudomelanostele grows shrubby, sometimes forming groups. The upright shoots are richly branched from the base up to 70 cm (28 in) high and 8 cm (3.1 in) 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 5 cm (2.0 in) long. Sometimes there are additional secondary 3 to 6 central spines with a gray tinge. Numerous yellowish radial spines are up to 1.5 cm (0.59 in) long and mixed with many white bristles up to 3 cm (1.2 in) long. The white flowers are dark purple on the outside and have a greenish-white to red throat. They are about 10 cm (3.9 in) long. The bright red fruits are ovate, up to 6 cm (2.4 in) long and 4 cm (1.6 in) in diameter.

Haageocereus pseudomelanostele is found in the Peruvian regions of Ancash, Ica and Lima at altitudes of 300 to 2000 meters.