Espostoa calva (?)

Espostoa calva (?)
Date: 2000 January 23
Location: Utcubamba valley, Amazonas, Peru

These huge plants, growing in the valley of the Utcubamba river about 30 km South of Pedro Ruíz, near to Chachapoyas, seem to be usually referred to as Espostoa calva. But see also plants growing nearer Balsas which could also possibly be this species.

Growing among tall thick scrub, it is remarkably difficult to get near the plants.

Below, by climbing up one plant (they don't have many spines, and the lower stem tends to lose the spines anyway), it was possible to photograph the tops of the stems, with white cephalia, on another one.