Cardones

Between 2,600 and 3,800 meters, there is a beautiful cactus called Cardón (Echinopsis atacamensis). It is a tall and robust cactus, the wood of which is used by locals in construction, carpentry and crafts. They can reach seven meters high and 70 cm in diameter. Its fruit, called pasakana, is edible. Today, due to its use and its scarce natural regeneration, it is in a Vulnerable and Near Threatened (NT) state under the IUCN. © ALMA (ESO / NAOJ / NRAO)