Espostoa frutescens

Espostoa frutescens is a plant in the family Cactaceae.

Espostoa frutescens
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Plantae
(unranked):
Angiosperms
(unranked):
Eudicots
(unranked):
Core eudicots
Order:
Caryophyllales
Family:
Cactaceae
Genus:
Espostoa
Species:
E. frutescens
Binomial name
Espostoa frutescens
Madsen[2]

Description
Geoffroy's tailless bat

Espostoa frutescens grows as a cactus. The species relies on nectar bats (including Geoffroy's tailless bat) for pollination. To facilitate the bats' echolocation, the plant's flowers are surrounded with a sound-absorbent furry area resulting in stronger flower echoes.[3]

Distribution and habitat

Espostoa frutescens is endemic to Ecuador and confined to Loja, El Oro and Azuay provinces. Its habitat is open areas in dry forests from 500 metres (1,600 ft) to 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) altitude.[1]

References
  1. Loaiza, C. (2013). "Espostoa frutescens". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013. Retrieved 11 July 2014.
  2. "Espostoa frutescens Madsen". The Plant List. Retrieved 11 July 2014.
  3. Twombly, Matthew; Schumacher, Mesa (March 2014). "Call of the Bloom – Graphic: Form Feeds Function". National Geographic. Retrieved 11 July 2014.


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