In Harry Johnson's 1955 catalog on page 14, the following comments appeared:

    “A very distinct new species I found growing in the warmer regions of south central Peru at about 6000’. It is a rapid grower and floriferous” (includes a photo)
   “Up to 20’ tall often with a dozen stems but branching only from a very short thick woody trunk. Average height closer to 10’. Flowers white funnel-shaped borne on the upper third of the plant followed by brown haired fruits.”