This is one of the largest of the Copiapoas, as the varietal name suggests. An inhabitant of coastal Chile, the epidermis turns white with age, at least theoretically. The name says it all, this plant is taxonomically confused but these are really nice plants to have in a cactus collection. The species has relatively long spines and has considerable wool around the apex. This species cannot take frost. These plants are seedlings in 4-inch pots.