Espostoa frutescens is a cactus that grows up to 2 meters tall, with branches emerging from its base.

The upright shoots range from 0.5 to 2 meters in length and 6 to 10 centimeters in diameter.

The plant has 22 to 28 low, rounded ribs with closely spaced, elliptical, light brown woolly areoles.

To facilitate the bats' echolocation, the plant's flowers are surrounded with a sound-absorbent furry area resulting in stronger flower echoes.

[4] Espostoa frutescens is endemic to Ecuador and confined to Loja, El Oro and Azuay provinces.