Oreocereus leucotrichus

Oreocereus leucotrichus grows as a shrub with numerous, upwardly curved shoots branching from the base and forming dense groups. The columnar shoots are 1 to 2 meters long and have a diameter of 6 to 12 cm (2.4 to 4.7 in). There are 10 to 15 flat and shallowly grooved ribs. The areoles on them are covered with numerous, white to black, 5 to 10 cm (2.0 to 3.9 in) long hairs. The spines arising from the areoles are strong, yellowish to chestnut brown or orange and do not turn gray with age. The one to four central spines are slightly curved and 5 to 8 cm (2.0 to 3.1 in) long. The five to ten radial spines are up to 1.5 cm (0.59 in) long. The crimson flowers appear near the tips of the shoots. They are 8 to 10 cm (3.1 to 3.9 in) long. The spherical to slightly elongated fruits are reddish yellow to yellowish green and have a diameter of 4 to 6 cm (1.6 to 2.4 in).

Oreocereus leucotrichus is widespread in the Peruvian regions of Ayacucho and Arequipa as well as in northern Chile at altitudes of 2000 to 3500 meters.