Etymology -Named after the Mexican - Senor Don Blas
EscontriaEscontria currently consists of a single species native
to Southern Mexico. Another species, E. lepidantha (=
Pachycereus lepidanthus) was also included for a time, but since
been moved into Pachycereus. For a little over a decade,
Escontria was placed into Myrtillocactus for its many similar
features. In general, Escontria grows to be good-sized trees
with many branches. The stems up to 5 inches (12cm) in diameter
have 6-8 well-defined ribs. A single central spine and several
radial spines are fairly short and stout from oblong areoles
closely placed along the stem. The flowers of Escontria set it
apart from the other Mexican cereoid species in the unique "gold
leaf" appearance of the buds and floral tubes. This metallic
sheen is due to the presence of translucent membrane-like
bracts. The open flower is yellow and cup-shaped, but not
opening much wider than the floral tube. Plants of this species
are not common in cultivation as their large size i