The Genus: Trichocereus

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Posted by: ion Jun 10 03, 11:21 PM GMT

OK. I have been searching around the net all day and I have come up with some rather disturbing information about our favorite cacti...

It seems that the genus Trichocereus has recently been placed under the larger area of the genus Echinopsis. This is not good. I imagine that in a couple of years, people are not going to know what the hell is going on with these cacti...

However, it seems that the confusion has already begun.

I'll explain...

What kind of cactus is this?
user posted image

Nope. It's not a T. peruvianus... but it is a T. and it does come from Peru. It is from the region of Cuzco in Peru, and the name is T. cuzcoensis... although now the name is Echinopsis cuzcoensis.

Guess what? This is the very cactus that many sites sell as T. peruvianus. Just go look at the pics on some dealer's sites.

This may account for much of the discrepancy in potency reports! The very nomenclature of these cacti is not accurate enough to tell the scientists which ones to test!

This is the actual T. peruvianus:
user posted image

This time, the name is changing to Echinopsis peruviana (they dropped the "us" and added "a"). Some sites even sell this one as a "special kind" of peruvian... they call it "Matucana Variety". All of the original T. peruvianus is from the Matucana region... no wonder they say it's "extra potent"!

Notice that this cactus looks exactly like a T. pachanoi (San Pedro), but with much longer spines. That is the only real macroscopic identifier of this cactus.

Perhaps this little guy looks familiar:
user posted image

You may have seen cacti like this at the local nursery. This is a T. chilensis. The nomenclature of this cactus is so screwed up, that even the people who named it used the incorrect spelling... even after they were informed of the fact! Here's what else they call it: Cactus chiloensis, Trichocereus chilensis, Trichocereus chiloensis, Cereus chiloensis, Eulychnia eburnea, Cereus chiloensis var. eburneus, Trichocereus chiloensis var. eburneus, Trichocereus chiloensis var. funkii, Cereus funkii, Trichocereus funkii, Cereus chiloensis var. funkianus, Trichocereus chiloensis var. quisco, Cereus quisco, Cereus chilensis var. quisco, Trichocereus chiloensis var. zizkaanus, Cereus chiloensis var. zizkaanus
Nice, ain't it... rolleyes.gif
BTW, it's from Chile.

Presently, Shulgin is studying an active cactus from Argentina. I'm wondering if it's T. terscheckii (no wonder they spell shit wrong!) or T. spachianus... oh, but wait! They are Echinopsis, now... sorry!

Go http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Cactaceae/Trichocereus.html

 and check it out.

-ion


Posted by: Voodoo Jun 10 03, 11:41 PM GMT
Just when I thought I was starting to catch on. Thanks a lot Ion. laugh.gif


Posted by: Fungusmaximus Jun 11 03, 12:04 PM GMT
Dumbass people thinking they know what they are doing, when infact they are screwing an already confusing classification of cacti all to hell.


Well I guess its up to us to stay on top of whats BS and keep the OCC straight. Get on it Ion!

Good info.

Thanks



Cactusmaximus tongue.gif


Posted by: MajorBuzz Jun 11 03, 04:56 PM GMT
To think I just figured out to spell peruvianus, now I have to learn cuzcoensis.
Thanks for the info!


Posted by: Driador Jun 11 03, 06:29 PM GMT
I'm not trying to split hairs here guys, really smile.gif

Ion, is there any other noticeable differences between the two species T. cuzcoensis (Echinopsis cuzcoensis) and the T. peruvianus (Echinopsis peruviana)? The one picture up top of the T. cuzcoensis makes it look like the distance inbetween the spine nodes are somewhat smaller than on the T. peruvianus. Of course, that could be the angle, or the distance might not be something that can be relied on (ie, dependant on annual light and rainfall, like tree rings huh.gif )...

I suppose that in the end I'm asking if there's any way to discern between the two species? Ya know, for the discriminating gardener wink.gif.


Posted by: ion Jun 11 03, 10:04 PM GMT
Oh, I am definitely splitting hairs, dria... it's my job. tongue.gif

Yes, there is a definite difference. OK... Would you say the top picture looks anything like a San Pedro? I wouldn't... the spines are thick, black radiating to yellow, and the areoles are heavily indented and nearly covered by the basal area of the spines. It looks almost like the spines are poking out from the inside of the cactus or something.

A peruvianus (from the Matacuna region) looks almost exactly like a San Pedro, but the spines are longer. In fact, some debate as to whether these peruvians are really a separate species from pachanoi at all... instead, they argue that it is a long-spined variety (or subspecies) of pachanoi or vice-versa.

Both of the "peruvians" are actually from Peru, just from different regions... and they are different species.

So, yeah... you can tell the difference if you just look at the spines... shape, size, thickness, and position on the areole. wink.gif

-ion


Posted by: MajorBuzz Jun 12 03, 01:08 PM GMT
So are there any reports of potency of cuzcoensis?


Posted by: ion Jun 13 03, 03:25 AM GMT
Yes, but the problem lies in identification. The thing is, most folks just call it T. peruvianus, mistakenly. Like I said, many dealers sell the things as peruvianus.

Scientists have to go by the same kind of screwed up info that is available to us for this sort of thing. In fact, the taxonomy of cacti is so skewed, that I really think they should be required to have photographs of the exact plants they ran the tests on in their reports!

Yes, cuzcoensis is active. No, you probably won't see it being sold as such... at most, the dealer might say "T. peruvianus (Cuzco)" or "var. cuzcoensis" or something like that.

I believe that the original reports of the incredible potency of T. peruvianus came from tests on a plant that was either peruvianus, cuzcoensis, or none of the above... it may have been an entirely different species that nobody has identified as the original test subject, because it was named incorrectly! There are no pictures of these originally tested plants!

Cuzcoensis is probably about as active as a decently potent pachanoi, I would guess.

-ion


Posted by: MajorBuzz Jun 13 03, 11:22 AM GMT
Ion, your research and expertise is appreciated. Just to cloud the issue one more time, I have included a picture of a cactus sold to me as a bridgesii, which from browsing other threads may actually be a "Matacuna" peruviana (did I get the spelling right?).

A google search of bridgesii brings up pictures of a spineless cactus.


Posted by: ion Jun 13 03, 11:33 PM GMT
There is one major identifying trait between T. peruvianus and bridgesii... in general, bridgesii has fewer spines. Often it has only 1 to 3 long spines per areole. Peruvianus has as many as a pachanoi normally does... that is to say, between 3 and 7 spines per areole.

Bridgesii also has a slightly different look to it from peruvianus and pachanoi. Sometimes there is a marked striation of the bluish "waxy" area about the growing tip... more striation (striped-ness) than peruv or pedro.

I think I mis-identified one of the ones in that photo thread voodoo posted... it is a bridgesii, not a peruvian... I'll go edit that to avoid confusion. wink.gif

Oh! Yes, yours looks like a bridgesii. smile.gif

-ion


Posted by: ion Jun 13 03, 11:36 PM GMT
Here are some pics you can rely on, for the most part...

http://trout.yage.net/sc/T_bridgesii/T_bridgesii_BBG/veg/T_bridgesii_Bol53_0162_index.htm

-ion


Posted by: Bob Roberts Jun 30 03, 09:44 AM GMT
The most confusing class I ever took was plant taxonomy, Ion. The thing is that if these taxonomists didn't have things to argue about then none of them would have jobs. laugh.gif So in the plant world, every couple of years there's some big shake-up and everyone talks about it. But the only people that really care are the professionals. Ultimately the consumer is still going to be provided with the old name for quite a few years and even after that the old name will still be used by most people. It's up to the dealer/retailer to be familiar with the -umpteen hundred names. Signage still stays the same as well because it costs money to change and one of the top reasons for buying a plant is because of recognition. Watch, they'll prolly divide it again in a decade or less. Silly taxonomists. laugh.gif


Posted by: ion Jul 01 03, 02:39 AM GMT
tongue.gif They are silly... kinda infuriatingly so... rolleyes.gif

I just don't see how they could ever group the trichocereus in with echinopsis! I mean seriously... they sre just too friggin different!

Hell, they could have just put all the pachycereus, stenocereus, etc.cerei together and saved at least some of the common traits! Most echinopsis are nothing like the trichocereus!

Just a stupid move, IMO...

-ion


Posted by: Archaea Jul 02 03, 05:00 PM GMT
The Echinopsis Trich thing has been around for some time now, despite the inclusion many publications and commercial souces still keep the globular day blooming genra in Echinopsis and the columnar night bloomers as Trichocereus.

Michael Smiths Narcotic and Hallucinogenic Cactus book covers much of the Trichoconfusion. I think there is a version available to read at the cactus mall.

I like the inclusion because it can trip up potential legislation.

Some reports list T. Peruvianus as having no psychoactive alkaloids, it is aparent that this may be due to a case of mistaken ID.

Cacti evolution is a very interesting yet complex subject. Did you know that the closest relative of the Cactaceae is the Portulacaceae (sp?), this is based upon genetic evidence as opposed to floral analysis and the ever faulty parsimonious non molecular cladistic analysis.


 


Posted by: ion Jul 02 03, 05:35 PM GMT
How ya been Archaea? wub.gif

Yes, it can confuse the legislation, but it may also confuse neophyte cactus-searchers. Well, that's why I pinned this thread, anyway. smile.gif

Thanks for the book lead! biggrin.gif

-ion


Posted by: Archaea Jul 08 03, 01:11 PM GMT
I've been well.
Don't have much time for posting or reading but I managed to pull this from somewhere, it seemed fitting for a pinned genus Tricho deal.

I am far too lazy to find and insert photographs and chemical data but if someone had the time and gumption then that would be awesome.

I must say I dig the nook for sure!



The Species Descriptions:
Trichocereus andalgalensis

Body: Described in the Cactus and Succulent Journal (US), Vol. 70, No. 1:32-39, James D. Mauseth & Roberto Kiesling.

Ribs:

Areoles/Spines:

Flowers/Fruit:

Distribution:
Trichocereus angelesii
Body: Huntington Botanical Gardens specimen.
Ribs:
Areoles/Spines:
Flowers/Fruit:
Distribution:
Trichocereus arboricola
Body: Huntington Botanical Gardens specimen.
Ribs:
Areoles/Spines:
Flowers/Fruit:
Distribution:
Trichocereus atacamensis - (Helianthocereus atacamensis?)
Body: Ref: http://iluvatar.scc.puc.cl/faba/ARTESANIA/PIEZAS/Chile16.html
Ribs:
Areoles/Spines:
Flowers/Fruit:
Trichocereus bridgesii
- B76, BR63 /Agurell 69.2
Body: Forms a tall branching shrub, to 16' (5 m.) high. Pale green, partially frosted. Branches to 6" (15cm.). Not to be confused with Echinopsis bridgesii.
Ribs: 4-8, rounded, later flatter; separated by broad but shallow intervals.
Areoles/Spines: Large areoles, about .75" (2cm.) apart. Two to 6 dissimilar, yellowish spines, up to 4" (10cm.) long although shorter in cultivated plants.
Flowers/Fruit: Flowers white, 7" (18cm.) long, flower-tube up to 2.4" (6cm.) long. Fruits oblong, 2.4" (6cm.) large.
Distribution: La Paz, Bolivia
Trichocereus bruchii
Body:
Ribs:
Areoles/Spines:
Flowers/Fruit:
Distribution:
Trichocereus cajasensis
- B76
Body: No description.
Ribs:
Areoles/Spines:
Flowers/Fruit:
Distribution:
Trichocereus camarguensis
- B76 /Agurell 69.2
Body: Columnar, light green to 20" (50cm.) high. Branches curving, ascending. Apparently closely resembles T. strigosus.
Ribs: 14, very low.
Areoles/Spines: 12-13 radial spines to 1.2" (3cm.); 2-3 central spines to 2" (5cm.); spines needle-like, yellow or ash colored.
Flowers/Fruit: Flowers white, to 8" (20cm.) large. Fruit spherical or ovoid, .75" (2cm.) diameter.
Distribution: Cinti (near Camargo), Bolivia.
Trichocereus candicans
- B76, BR63 /Agurell 69.2
Body: Erect or upcurving, yellowish-green up to 30" (75cm.) large. Forms colonies up to 10' (3m.) wide.
Ribs: 9-11, broad, low and rounded or obtuse.
Areoles/Spines: Areoles large, white felted when young, .75-1.2" (2-3cm.) apart. 10-12 radial spines, unequal size to 1.5" (4cm.); 4 central spines, longest 4" (10cm.). Spines taper to a fine point, brownish yellow, more or less mottled.
Flowers/Fruit: Flowers are large, funnelform, to 8" (20cm.), white and strongly perfumed. Fruit is ellipsoid-spherical, splitting on one side.
Distribution: Northern Argentina (around Mendoza).
Subspecies: v. gladiatus: bluish to pale green, to 25.5" (65cm.) high with very little branching. Up to 13 radial spines to 2", 1-4 central spines. Spines yellow, often banded red or red below, sometimes twisted. v. tenuispinus: intense bluish-green, less freely branching up to 33.5" (85cm.) high. Spines faded yellow, brownish-red below, all thin and rather short.
Trichocereus cephalomacrostibas
- B76
Body: Grayish green, in dense groups to 6.5' (2m.) high, stems to 4" (10cm.) diameter.
Ribs: 8, broad, thickened around the areoles and divided by transverse furrows.
Areoles/Spines: Areoles .6" (1.5cm.) large, thickly brown felted; prominent, very crowded at the apex. Around 20 radial spines, very short, tapering to a point; 1-4 center spines to 4.75" (12cm.); dark brown at first, later faded gray, sometimes angular and channeled, rather curving and variously projecting, interlacing in part.
Flowers/Fruit: Flowers white, to 4.75" (12cm.), ~4" (10cm.) diameter. Fruit reddish or yellowish-orange, oblong/spherical.
Distribution: Above Mollendo, Southern Peru.
Trichocereus chalaensis
- B76
Body: Erect branches to 13' (4m.) high, branches swelling during the foggy season to 6" (15cm.).
Ribs: 8, with a transverse furrow above the areole and a plane surface above and below.
Areoles/Spines: 6 to 10 radial spines to .4" (1cm.), 2-3 center spines to 2" (5cm.) long; dark brown at first or blackish above.
Flowers/Fruit: Flowers white, to 6.75" (17cm.) long.
Distribution: South of Chala, Southern Peru.
Trichocereus chilensis (aka Trichocereus chiloensis)
- B76, BR63 /Agurell 69.2
Body: Columnar , usually with several stout branches arising from near the base, from 10' (3m.) to 26' (8m.) high. Occasionally confused with T. litoralis.
Ribs: 16-17, low and broad, separated by narrow intervals, divided into large tubercules when fully mature.
Areoles/Spines: 8 to 12 radial spines up to 1.5" (4cm.), a single center spine from 1.5" to 2.75" (4-7cm.) although up to 4.75" (12cm.) long.
Flowers/Fruit: Flowers white, tinged with red or brown, to 5.5" (14cm.). Fruit is spherical.
Distribution: Central Valley of Chile, from Curico to Puenta Colorado.
Subspecies: v. eburneus: Body is stouter, spines brownish at first, soon becoming ivory-white, flowers pink or suffused pink.
Trichocereus chuquisancanus
- B76
Body: No description.
Ribs:
Areoles/Spines:
Flowers/Fruit:
Trichocereus coquimbanus
- B76, BR63
Body: Prostrate or decumbent to 4' (1.2m.) high forming dense thickets, stems to 4" (10cm.) diameter
Ribs: 12-14.
Areoles/Spines: Large, round, filled with short wool. Up to 20 spines, dissimilar sizes from .5" (12mm) to 3" (8cm.), center spine barely differentiated.
Flowers/Fruit: Flowers to 4.75" (12cm.), white with scales of ovary and tube subtending black hairs.
Distribution: From Coquimbo to Paposo, Chile.
Trichocereus courantii
- B76 /Agurell et al 71
Body: Dull green body, erectly columnar to 13.75" (35cm.) high, although old plants can be up to 5' (1.5m.) high; stems over 2.75" (7cm.) diameter, offsetting from the base.
Ribs: ~10
Areoles/Spines: 9-11 radial spines, finally to 20, faded yellow to brownish; 1-4 center spines, darker and thicker below.
Flowers/Fruit: Flower rose scented, to 9.5" (24cm.) long.
Distribution: Bahia Blanca/Rio Negro/Rio Colorado, Argentina.
Trichocereus cuzcoensis
- B76, BR63 /Agurell et al 71
Body: Densely branched body, erect to 20' (6m.), branches somewhat spreading, light green at first.
Ribs: 7-8, low and rounded.
Areoles/Spines: Areoles up to .6" (1.5cm.) apart. Up to 12 very stout spines, yellow, thickened below and tapering to a fine point, to 2.75" (7cm.)
Flowers/Fruit: Flowers white, fragrant, to 5.5" (14cm.); flower tubes green to 2.5" (6cm.).
Distribution: Cuzco region, Peru.
Trichocereus deserticolus
- B76
Body: Branching from below, up to 5' (1.5m.).
Ribs: 8-10, deeply incised, .6" (1.5cm.) to 1" (2.5cm.) high, with distinct furrows above the areole. See T. fulvilanus.
Areoles/Spines: Areoles up to .6" (1.5cm.) apart, covered with dark, wooly felt. Radial spines irregular, 15-25 thin, tapering to a fine point, dark to gray; from 1-3 center spines to 4.75" (12cm.) long, sometimes rather curving.
Flowers/Fruit: Pure white flowers with dark wool outside to 3" (8cm.) long.
Distribution: Near Tatal, Chile.
Trichocereus escayachensis (=Helianthocereus escayachensis=Echinopsis escayachensis?)
Body:
Ribs:
Areoles/Spines:
Flowers/Fruit:
Distribution:
Trichocereus fascicularis - BR63 = (aka Weberbauerocereus fascicularis - B76)
Body: Grows in large clusters made up of many slender, erect or ascending branches to 13' (4m.) high.
Ribs: ~16, low, rounded, separated by narrow intervals.
Areoles/Spines: Areoles closely set, filled with tawny felt. Numerous spines, at first yellowish to brown; radial spines needle-like, often only .4" (1cm.) long or less; central spines much stouter, to 1.5" (4cm.) long.
Flowers/Fruit: Slender flowers to 4.25" (11cm.) long, somewhat curved near the base with short perianth-segments, differing from "typical" Trichocerei flowers. Fruit is yellowish to reddish, globular, to 1.5" (4cm.) diameter, splitting open on one side exposing the pulp.
Distribution: Mountains of southern Peru and northern Chile at about 7500' (2300m.).
Trichocereus formosus
Body:
Ribs:
Areoles/Spines:
Flowers/Fruit:
Distribution:
Trichocereus fulvilanus
- B76 /Agurell et al 71
Body: Grass green to grayish green stems, branching from the base to 5' (1.5m.) tall; branches to 2.75" (7cm.) diameter.
Ribs: 8-13, obtuse, notched across half the width.
Areoles/Spines: Areoles "shortly oval", to .5" (1.25cm.) with orange to reddish or yellowish felt at first, later brownish black (light brownish in seedlings, then becoming whitish from the base upwards). Spines dark brown at first, then graying. Nine to 12 radial spines, dissimilar sizes, mostly .6" (1.5cm.) to 1.2" (3cm.) long. Two to 4 (to 6) center spines, 1.2" to 4" (3-10cm.) long though up to 7" (18cm.) and stouter, later the upper spines are often finer.
Flowers/Fruit: Perfumed flowers, apical, to 4.75" (12cm.) long, to 3.5" (9cm.) diameter. Fruit is green, spherical to 1.5" (4cm.) diameter.
Distribution: Taltal/Chanaral to ElCobre, Chile. Nota bene: Backeberg regards this as nothing more than a form of T. deserticolus.
Trichocereus giganteus
Body:
Ribs:
Areoles/Spines:
Flowers/Fruit:
Distribution:
Trichocereus glaucus
- B76
Body: Bush forming to 6.5' (2m.) with bluish then grayish green stems to 3.1" (8cm.) diameter branching from the base.
Ribs: 7-9, notched.
Areoles/Spines: Areoles to .3" (7.5mm.) large, gray, to .75" (2cm.) apart. Spines black, graying. Seven to 10 radial spines, stoutly needle-like, somewhat flattened, sometimes brown to .6" (1.5cm.) long. Central spines essentially erect, 3-6, to 3.1" (8cm.) long.
Flowers/Fruit: Perfumed white or delicate pink flowers to 7.5" (19cm.) long. Fruit grass green with white pulp, 1.6" (4cm.) large.
Distribution: Dept. Arequipa, along the lower Rio Tambo, on mountains and in the region of Ilo, Peru.
Subspecies: v. pendens: Stems hanging or inclined and ascending, from the coastal cliffs near Arica, Chile. Backeberg feels this may be a variety of T. uyupampensis that was orphaned from it's relatives in southern Peru.
Trichocereus grandiflorus - B76(=Helianthocereus grandiflorus?)
Body: Somewhat like T. camarguensis; slender, erect body with stems that are not as stout as T. spachianus.
Ribs:
Areoles/Spines: Spines "concolorous yellowish," more or less equal. Center spines little projecting.
Flowers/Fruit: Large white flower to 6.75" (17cm.) large, 9" (23cm.) (!) diameter.
Distribution: Bolivia. Nota bene: May be T. lamprochlorus.
Trichocereus grandis
Body:
Ribs:
Areoles/Spines:
Flowers/Fruit:
Distribution:
Trichocereus huanucoensis
Body: Huntington Botanical Gardens specimen.
Ribs:
Areoles/Spines:
Flowers/Fruit:
Distribution:
Trichocereus huascha - BR63 (aka Helianthocereus huascha - B76)
/Agurell 69.2
Body: More or less cespitose, forming clumps to 6.5' (2m.) broad of cylindric stems to 2" (5cm.) diameter and 5.25' (1.6m.) high.
Ribs: 12-18, low, rounded.
Areoles/Spines: Areoles approximate, only ~.25" (6mm.) apart. Numerous, unequal, needle-like spines up to 2.4" (6cm.) long, yellowish to brown.
Flowers/Fruit: Flowers variable from red to yellow, broadly funnelform, to 4" (10cm.) long.
Distribution: Northern Argentina (Yacutala & Catamarca).
Trichocereus knuthianus
- B76 /Agurell et al 71
Body: Trunk to 10' (3m.), eventually tree-like. Branches to 4" (10cm.) diameter, frosted, brilliant light bluish-green.
Ribs: ~7, rounded.
Areoles/Spines: Large areole with much felt. Seven radial spines, 1 center spine to 4" (10cm.), soon becoming concolorous whitish-gray although tipped yellowish at first.
Flowers/Fruit: Large, white flower.
Distribution: Upper course of the Rio Maraņon, Peru.
Trichocereus lamprochlorus
- H, B76, BR63 /Agurell 69.2
Body: Intense, glossy green body, erect and as robust as T. spachianus. Columnar, simple, branching at base, to 6.5' (2m.) high; 3.1" diameter.
Ribs: ~10-12 at first [up to 17], low and rounded.
Areoles/Spines: At first, 7 radial spines, increasing with age, to .4" (1cm.) long. At first 1 center spine, increasing to 4 to .7" (2cm.) long. Spines yellow below, brown above, later light colored.
Flowers/Fruit: White flowers, from 6.1" (15.5cm.) to 9.5" (24cm.) large, 5.5" (14cm.) diameter.
Distribution: Eastern Bolivia/Northern Argentina.
Trichocereus litoralis
- B76
Body: Dark to grayish green, columnar, erect or arching over then erect. Stem to 4.75" (12cm.) diameter.
Ribs: Mostly 21, moderately prominent, more or less tuberculate.
Areoles/Spines: Areoles .4" (1cm.) apart. Spines honey colored at first, later gray; 9-20 thin radial spines tapering to a fine point; [1-]5-8 dissimilar, thicker center spines to over .75" (2cm.) long.
Flowers/Fruit: Rather curving white flower, to 5.5" (14cm.) long, 4" (10cm.) diameter. Said to stay open for 5 days.
Distribution: Coast north of Valparaiso, Aconcagua, Chile.
Trichocereus lobivioides
Body:
Ribs:
Areoles/Spines:
Flowers/Fruit:
Distribution:
Trichocereus sp. Lora Tora
Body: No description, listed in the Mesa Garden catalogue.
Ribs:
Areoles/Spines:
Flowers/Fruit:
Distribution:
Trichocereus longispinus
Body:
Ribs:
Areoles/Spines:
Flowers/Fruit:
Distribution:
Trichocereus macrogonus
- B76, BR63 /Agurell 69.2
Body: Stout (although it may be slender in cultivation) bluish green, particularly on young growth, to over 6.5' (2m.) high. Branches 2.75" (7cm.) diameter, more or less frosted at first.
Ribs: Usually 7, rounded, .6" (1.5cm.) high, separated by depressions over the areoles.
Areoles/Spines: Gray areoles, .6" (1.5cm.) to .75" (2cm.) apart. Horn colored to brown spines, later blackish or dark gray or grayish-brown. Six to 9 radial spines, tapering to a fine point, from .2" (.5cm) to .75" (2cm.) long. Central spines stouter, to about .75" (2cm.) long.
Flowers/Fruit: White flowers, to 7" (18cm.) long, broadly spherical.
Distribution: South America (not reported in the wild).
Trichocereus manguinii
- B76 /Agurell et al 71
Body: Dark grayish-green, erect, branching freely from below to 37.5" (95cm.) high with up to 4.3" (11cm.) diameter stems. Often confused with T. schickendantzii.
Ribs: 18-20
Areoles/Spines: Areoles slightly sunken. Spines brownish; ~11 radial spines; up to 5 central spines to .15" (4mm.) long.
Flowers/Fruit: Flowers very broad, white, to 6.25" (16cm.) long.
Distribution: Northeast Argentina or Paraguay?
Trichocereus neolamprochlorus
- B76
Body: Colony forming, branched from base to about 20" (50cm.) high. Starts glossy, light green, later more dirty green. Stems to 3.1" (8cm.) diameter. Often confused with T. lamprochlorus.
Ribs: 9-10, rounded with transverse depressions.
Areoles/Spines: Spines fine, stiff, pale yellow with reddish below; 15-18 with 4 stouter spines to .75" (2cm.) long recognizable as central spines.
Flowers/Fruit: White flower to 9.5" (24cm.) long, 6.2" (16cm.) diameter. Green oblong-spherical fruit, sparsely hairy.
Distribution: Northwest Argentina (Jujuy and Mendoza, Cordoba).
Trichocereus nigripilis
- B76
Body: Stems to 2.75" (7cm.) diameter, erect to prostrate and then ascending to 40" (1m.) tall.
Ribs: To ~12.
Areoles/Spines: Areole dark gray, .4" (1cm.) large. Spines gray, darker above, reddish when seen against the light. Approximately 12 radial spines to .4" (1.1cm.). Six lateral central spines to .6" (1.5cm.) long.
Flowers/Fruit: White flower, ~2.5" long.
Distribution: Coquimbo, Chile.
Trichocereus pachanoi
- B76, BR63 /Agurell 69.2
Body: Numerous branches, more or less tree-like to 19.5' (6m.) high. Stems bluish-green, slightly frosted when young, dark green when older.
Ribs: [4-]6-8 with a deep, horizontal depression above the areole.
Areoles/Spines: Spines often wanting, from 3-7 dissimilar, dark yellow to brown to .75" (2cm.) long when present.
Flowers/Fruit: Very fragrant, night blooming white flowers to 9" (23cm.).
Distribution: From 6500-10,000' (2000-3000m.), Chanchan valley, Ecuador.
Trichocereus pasacana - H (B76, BR63=Helianthocereus pasacana?)
/Agurell 69.2
Body: More or less club-shaped, occasionally has a few branches from the base, from 3.2' (1m.) to 33' (10m.) high and 12" (30cm.) wide at the top. Spineless at base when older.
Ribs: 20-38 low, .75" (2cm.) high.
Areoles/Spines: Areoles large, near to each other, sometimes touching. On young plants the spines are numerous, yellow, stiff, tapering to a fine point and variable size up to 5.5" (14cm.). On older, particularly flowering plants they are yellow or white, elongated, flexible, sometimes bristle-like from 4" (10cm.) to 4.75" (12cm.) long.
Flowers/Fruit: Flowers to 4" (10cm.) long. Fruit globular, about 1.2" diameter, said to be edible, called pasacana.
Distribution: High plains and valleys of Bolivia and northern Argentina.
Trichocereus peruvianus
- B76, BR63 /Agurell 69.2 /Pardanani 71
Body: Bluish-green, frosted stems, erect at first then arching over or even prostrate to 23' (7m.) long. Stems to 8" (20cm.) diameter.
Ribs: 6-8, broadly rounded with a "V"-shaped notch over the areole.
Areoles/Spines: Areoles large, brown-felted to 1" (2.5cm.) apart. Spines brown from the first or honey-colored below, darker above; rigid and stout, not at all swollen at base. Six to 8 radial spines to .4" (1cm.), usually 1 center spine to 1.6" (4cm.).
Flowers/Fruit: Large, white flowers.
Distribution: Around 7000' (2100m.) near Matucana, Peru, on the western slope of the Andes .
Subspecies: Three varieties seem to be available commercially although they don't seem to be "official" subspecies. The comments below are my personal observations/opinions based on young, seed grown plants. v. "Ancash": Similar to a "KK242" but the "V"-notches are much subtler, often not visible at all. Presumably from the Ancash region northwest of Matucana. v. "Blue": Lighter in color ("bluer"), areoles seem further apart (i.e., where in a certain distance a "KK242" has 4 areoles, the "Blue" has only 3). v. KK242: Seems to fit the standard T. peruvianus ID.
Trichocereus poco (=Helianthocereus poco=Echinopsis tarijensis ref: CSSA?)
/Agurell 69.2
Body:
Ribs:
Areoles/Spines:
Flowers/Fruit:
Distribution:
Trichocereus pseudocandicans
Body:
Ribs:
Areoles/Spines:
Flowers/Fruit:
Distribution:
Trichocereus puquiensis
- B76
Body: Bluish-green, erect to 13' (4m.) high, branches to 6" (15cm.) diameter.
Ribs: 8-10
Areoles/Spines: Areole .4" (1cm.) large, surrounded by a swelling but not surmounted by a horizontal furrow. Chestnut-brown spines at first, to 10 radial spines up to .75" (2cm.) long; usually 2 central spines, one more erect to 4" (10cm.), the other directed downward, to 3.1" (8cm.) long.
Flowers/Fruit: White flowers to 6" (15cm.).
Distribution: Above Puquio, Peru.
Trichocereus purpeominiata
Body:
Ribs:
Areoles/Spines:
Flowers/Fruit:
Distribution:
Trichocereus purpureopilosus
- B76 /Agurell et al 71
Body: Low, colony forming with branches from below, stems semi-prostrate and ascending. Dark leaf-green branches to 12.5" (32cm.) tall, to 2.5" diameter.
Ribs: 12, low.
Areoles/Spines: Spines light horned-colored, carmine and thickened below; up to 20 thin radial spines to .25" (7mm.) long, 4-5 cruciform central spines to .25" (7mm.) long.
Flowers/Fruit: White flower with a pink sheen to 8.25" (21cm.).
Distribution: Sierra de Cordoba, Argentina.
Trichocereus randallii - (aka Helianthocereus randallii)
Body: According to Mesa Gardens catalogue it has "very dense fine spines, obscure stem"
Ribs:
Areoles/Spines:
Flowers/Fruit:
Distribution:
Trichocereus riomizquensis
- B76
Body:
Ribs:
Areoles/Spines:
Flowers/Fruit:
Distribution:
Trichocereus rubinghianus
- B76
Body: Erect, dark green to over 10' (3m.) high. Stem to 3.1" (8cm.) diameter.
Ribs: ~16-17, fairly low and narrow with transverse depressions present also on the flanks.
Areoles/Spines: Around 8 spines, most extend sideways and forwards, barely overtopping the rib. Some more central, more clearly porrect. Spines needle-like, ,yellowish to horn-colored.
Flowers/Fruit: Large, numerous flowers, slightly creamy to white. Fruit oblong, green, 2x1.6" (5x4cm.).
Distribution: Origin unknown, described specimen originally in the Faust collection at Blanes, Spain but no longer there.
Trichocereus santaensis
- B76
Body: Grayish-green, slightly frosted, to 16.5' (5m.), branches from the base to 6" (15cm.) diameter.
Ribs: 7, broad, flat with a "V"-notch over the areole.
Areoles/Spines: Two to 3 radial spines, brownish, to 1.2" (3cm.) long; usually 1 central spine to 1.6" (4cm.), also brownish.
Flowers/Fruit:
Distribution: Around 10,000' (3000m.), Rio Santa valley/Puente Bedoya, Peru.
Trichocereus santiaguensis
- B76 /Agurell et al 71
Body: Tree-like with matte yellowish to pale green cylindric trunk to 23' (7m.) high, branches ascending, to 4" diameter.
Ribs:
Areoles/Spines: Areoles white at first, to .6" (1.5cm.) apart. Spines slightly recurved, lowest ones to .4" (1cm.) long, upper ones to .2" (5mm.) long. One center spine to .75" (2cm.).
Flowers/Fruit: Unscented, white flower to 8" (20cm.) long.
Distribution: In woodlands near Icaņo, Argentina.
Trichocereus schickendantzii
- B76, BR63 /Agurell 69.2
Body: Intense/dark green, branching freely from the base to form large colonies to 10" (25cm.) high. Branches curve upwards, to 2.4" (6cm.) diameter. Differentiated from T. manguinii by it's lower habit and lighter skin.
Ribs: 14-18, only .2" (5mm.) high with slight depressions between the areoles.
Areoles/Spines: Spines to .4" (1cm.), yellowish, flexible. Nine radial spines at first, more later. Two to 8 central spines.
Flowers/Fruit: White, funnelform, unscented flowers to 8.75" (22cm.) long with several blooming from the top of the plant. Edible fruit.
Distribution: Northwestern Argentina.
Trichocereus schoenii
- B76
Body: Grayish-green, branching irregularly from the base, to 13' (4m.). Branches to 6" (15cm.) diameter.
Ribs: 7
Areoles/Spines: Yellowish-gray areoles, .4" (1cm.) diameter, .75" (cm.) apart, surmounted by a "V"-notch. Spines leather-brown at first, later gray with leather-brown tips. Six to 8 dissimilar radial spines, upper ones to .6" (1.5cm.), lower ones to 2" (5cm.). One to 2 stout, porrect or downward directed central spines to 2.75" (7cm.) long.
Flowers/Fruit: White flower to 6.25" (16cm.) long.
Distribution: Up to 12,800' (3900m.) in the valley of the Rio Majes, Chuquibamba, southern Peru.
Trichocereus scopulicolus
- B76
Body: No description.
Ribs:
Areoles/Spines:
Flowers/Fruit:
Distribution:
Trichocereus shaferi
- B76, BR63
Body: Cylindric, light green, strongly branching, to 20" (50cm.) high. Branches to 5" (12.5cm.) diameter. Not to be confused with Echinopsis shaferi.
Ribs: About 14, to .6" (1.5cm.) high.
Areoles/Spines: Areoles white felted when young, up to .25" (7mm.) apart. About 10 light yellow, needle-like spines, central spine not clearly distinguishable.
Flowers/Fruit: White, slender tubed flowers from the top of the plant to 7" (18cm.) long.
Distribution: About 6000' (1800m.), Salta, San Lorenzo, Argentina.
Trichocereus skottsbergii
- B76 /Agurell et al 71
Body: Grayish-green, branching from below to 6.5' (2m.) high. Branches to 5.5" (14cm.) diameter.
Ribs: To 14.
Areoles/Spines: Areoles grayish-black, .3" (8mm.) large. Radial spines, bristly, flexible, barely sharp, ~22-26 horn-colored to gray, to 2.5" (6.2cm.). Three more clearly recognizable central spines, light brown to gray, to 4.75" (12cm.) long.
Flowers/Fruit: White flowers to 4.75" (12cm.).
Distribution: Coast of Talinay, Coquimbo, Chile.
Subspecies: v. breviatus: To over 5.25' (1.6m.) high, branches to 4.75" (12cm.) diameter. Up to 16 ribs. Numerous (up to 40) spines, more or less hair-like in flowering areoles; 1-3 longest ones (to 2.4" 6cm.), hair-like ones to only .25" (6mm.) long. White flower, to 3.1" (8cm.) long. Also from Coquimbo, Chile.
Trichocereus smrzianus - B76, Backe. (aka Echinopsis smrzianus)
Body: Spherical at first, later cylindric to more than 6.2" (16cm.) high, becoming thicker, finally stoutly columnar with some individuals to 15.75" (40cm.) tall, more or less prostrate and then ascending, primarily fresh green at first, later more or less grayish-green to 8" diameter when older. Younger plants extremely variable in appearance.
Ribs: ~15.
Areoles/Spines: Spines variable, ~7-14 at first, irregularly arranged, all thin, sharp, radiating, needle-like to finer; from whitish to deep golden-brown, sometimes flecked or dark below.
Flowers/Fruit: White, to 4.75" (12cm.) long, 4.75" (12cm.) diameter, petals in several series.
Distribution: Northern Argentina.
Trichocereus spachianoides
- B76
Body: No description.
Ribs:
Areoles/Spines:
Flowers/Fruit:
Distribution:
Trichocereus spachianus
- B76, BR63 /Agurell 69.2 /Pummangura 82
Body: Stem upright, at first simple, columnar, later profusely branching from below (to 2.4" (6cm.) diameter) ascending parallel with the main stem, to 6.5' (2m.) high.
Ribs: 10-15, rounded, fairly low.
Areoles/Spines: Large areoles, yellowish at first, later white, about .4" (1cm.) apart. Spines amber-yellow to brownish, becoming gray; 8-10 radial spines, needle-like, stiff, sharp, to .4" (1cm.); single, stouter central spine, longer than the radials (may have up to 3).
Flowers/Fruit: White flower, to 8" (20cm.) long, 6" (15cm.) diameter.
Distribution: Western Argentina.
Trichocereus strigosus
- B76, BR63 /Agurell et al 71 / Nieto 82
Body: Forms large colonies up to 6.5' (2m.) broad, branches usually simple, erect or ascending to 24" (60cm.) high, 2.4" (6cm.) diameter.
Ribs: 15-18, very low (to .2" (5mm.) high), obtuse.
Areoles/Spines: Areoles circular, rather large, .3" (8mm.) apart with dense white wool when young. Spines barely differentiated into radial and central spines, needle-like, variable in color from white through yellow to pink, reddish-brown or black, numerous, to 2" (5cm.) long.
Flowers/Fruit: Flower, white to delicate pink, funnelform, to 8" (20cm.) long. Backeberg feels the ones with a lilac-pink flower should be described as v. roseoalbus.
Distribution: Western Argentina.
Trichocereus tacaquirensis
- B76
Body: Mostly branching from the base to 8.2' (2.5m.) tall. Branches fairly crowded, steeply ascending.
Ribs: Variable in number, .75" (2cm.) high.
Areoles/Spines: Areoles large, round, white-felty. Spines more or less bristle-like, especially at first, more or less interlacing, flexible, barely differentiated between radial and central spines, those in the crown erect, to 3.1" (8cm.) long.
Flowers/Fruit: White flower, to 8" (20cm.) long.
Distribution: Tacaquira, Bolivia.
Trichocereus taquimbalensis
- B76 /Agurell et al 71
Body: Simple or branching from below or from the flank (if damaged?) to 8.2' (2.m.) high. Branches robust, dark green, to 6" (15cm.) diameter.
Ribs: 9
Areoles/Spines: Areoles whitish, .4" (1cm.) diameter, .6" (1.5cm.) apart. Spines thickened below, light brown at first, then gray. Eight to 13 radial spines, tapering to a fine point to .75" (2cm.) long. One stout central spine, porrect or directed downwards to 2.4" (6cm.) long.
Flowers/Fruit: White flowers to 9" (23cm.) long. Dark green fruit, 1.6" (4cm.) diameter.
Distribution: Cochabamba, Taquimbala, Bolivia.
Subspecies: v. wilkeae: Radial spines to 1" (2.5cm.) long, partially stout, tapering to a fine point, curving, sometimes more or less hooked. Four thick, tapering to a fine point central spines, sometimes compressed, much thickened below. Sometimes all the spines are dark at the base and the tip. From Tupiza, Bolivia.
Trichocereus tarijensis
Body: Huntington Botanical Gardens specimen.
Ribs:
Areoles/Spines:
Flowers/Fruit:
Distribution:
Trichocereus tarmaensis
- B76
Body: Dark green, branching from the base to 6.5' (2m.), branches around 4" (10cm.) diameter.
Ribs: 8, to .75" broad, rounded.
Areoles/Spines: Areoles gray, .3" (8mm.) large, appearing more sunken above (i.e., with a shallow, obliquely transverse depression). Spines horn colored at first, later gray. Two to 5 radial spines to 1.2" (3cm.) long, usually 1 central spine, projecting horizontally, to 4" (10cm.) long.
Flowers/Fruit: White flower. Fruit to 1.6" (4cm.) diameter.
Distribution: Tarma, Peru.
Trichocereus tenuispinus
- B76
Body: No description.
Ribs:
Areoles/Spines:
Flowers/Fruit:
Distribution:
Subspecies: v. pajanalensis: No description.
Trichocereus terscheckii
- B76, BR63 /Agurell 69.2 /Reti 51
Body: At first columnar with an intense green, woody trunk up to 17.75" (45cm.) diameter, to 40' (12m.) tall. When older becomes branched with parallel, ascending branches to 8" (20cm.) diameter. Often confused with T. pasacana but is more branched, fewer ribs, different spines and larger flowers.
Ribs: 8-14, prominent, obtuse, to 1.6" (4cm.) high.
Areoles/Spines: Areoles felted, to .6" (1.5cm.) diameter, to 1.2" (3cm.) apart. Spines yellow, 8-15, tapering to a fine point, to 3.1" (8cm.) long.
Flowers/Fruit: Large flowers to 8" (20cm.) long, 4.75" (12cm.) broad.
Distribution: Northern Argentina.
Subspecies: v. montanus: Branches lighter green, obliquely ascending.
Trichocereus terscheckioides
- B76
Body: No description.
Ribs:
Areoles/Spines:
Flowers/Fruit:
Distribution:
Trichocereus thelegonoides
- B76, BR63 /Agurell et al 71
Body: Thick, cylindric trunk to 20' (6m.) high, 7" (18cm.) diameter. More or less branched from above, branches more or less curved, ascending, obtuse at apex, to 3.1" (8cm.) diameter.
Ribs: 15, low, rounded, strongly tuberculate at first because of the transverse depressions between the areoles but gradually disappearing with age.
Areoles/Spines: Areoles, small, circular, felted. Eight to 10 yellow or brownish, bristly spines, to .3" (8mm.) long.
Flowers/Fruit: Flower white, greenish outside to 9.5 (24cm.) long.
Distribution: On dry hills, Jujuy, Northern Argentina.
Trichocereus thelegonus
- B76, BR63 /Agurell et al 71
Body: Dark green, prostrate, sometimes with erect branches to over 6.5' (2m.) long, to 3.1" (8cm.) diameter.
Ribs: 12-13, broad, rounded, divided into distinctly 6 sided tubercles.
Areoles/Spines: Circular, felted areoles. Spines brown at first, then gray, sometimes darker to blackish, sometimes yellowish. Six to 8 needle-like, more or less spreading radial spines to .8" (2cm.) long. One porrect center spine to 1.6" (4cm.) long.
Flowers/Fruit: White flower to 8" (20cm.) long.
Distribution: Northwestern Argentina.
Trichocereus totorensis
- B76
Body: According to the Mesa Garden catalogue, "KK1368 'bertramiana', huge hairy white" flower.
Ribs:
Areoles/Spines:
Flowers/Fruit:
Distribution:
Trichocereus totorillanus
- B76
Body: No description.
Ribs:
Areoles/Spines:
Flowers/Fruit:
Distribution: Bolivia.
Trichocereus trichosus
- B76
Body: Grayish or bluish green, simple, columnar, more or less "clavate", to only 3.2' (1m.) high.
Ribs: 9, broad, rather obtuse, to .75" high.
Areoles/Spines: Triangular, gray areoles to .75" (2cm.) broad, 2" (5cm.) apart (surmounted by a depression?). Spines gray, brown-tipped, thickened below, tapering to a fine point. Four to 6 radial spines to 1.4" (3.5cm.) long. One projecting central spine to 2.75" (7cm.).
Flowers/Fruit: White flower to 9" (23cm.) long.
Distribution: On the road between Lagunillas and Santa Cruz, Bolivia at about 2000' (600m.).
Trichocereus tulhuayacensis
- B76
Body: Dark green trunk to 6.5' (2m.) high, branches to 4.75" (12cm.) diameter from low on the body.
Ribs: 7-9, to .4" (1cm.) high, 1.4" broad.
Areoles/Spines: Areoles to .3" (8mm.), yellowish at first, then gray, surmounted by a curving depression, prominences sometimes reddish. Spines mostly directed downwards, longest one more porrect, whitish-gray, otherwise yellowish at first, dark-tipped. Eight radial spines to 1" (2.5cm.) long, 3-4 central spines from 2.1" (5.5cm.) to 3.1" (8cm.) long.
Flowers/Fruit: Flowers fairly large, stoutly funnelform, light pink, ivory-white towards the throat. Dark green fruit to 1.75" (4.5cm.) diameter.
Distribution: Near Huachac, Peru, around 11,000' (3400m.).
Trichocereus tunariensis
- B76 /Agurell et al 71
Body: Pale green, shrubby to 10' (3m.) high. Branches from below to 4.75" diameter at base.
Ribs: 16-21, to .6" (1.5cm.) high, to .7" (1.7cm.) broad.
Areoles/Spines: Gray areoles to .2" (6mm.) diameter, .4" (1cm.) apart. Yellowish spines barely distinguishable between radial and central spines, about 17 needle-like, flexible with the longest ones directed downwards, to 2.4" (6cm.).
Flowers/Fruit: Flower white, to 6.75" ( 17cm.) long. Edible, dark green fruit to 1.6" (4cm.) long, 2" diameter.
Distribution: Between Yurac kkasa and San Miguel, Bolivia at about 12,500' (3800cm.).
Trichocereus uyupampensis
- B76
Body: Prostrate to hanging to 6.5' (2m.) long, branches about 1.4" diameter.
Ribs: 9, flat, narrow, slightly raised around the areole.
Areoles/Spines: Small, light brown areole. Eight to 10 spines, fine, irregularly directed, pointing up and down, darker, to .25" (6mm.) long.
Flowers/Fruit: Flower, white with reddish outside, to 6.3" (16cm.) long.
Distribution: Uyupampa, Southern Peru at about 10,000' (3000m.) altitude.
Trichocereus validus (aka Echinopsis valida)
- B76 /Agurell et al 71
Body: Known primarily as stout, erect green columns although it may become tree-like. Stems to 13.75" (35cm.) diameter.
Ribs: about 10.
Areoles/Spines: Areoles fairly large above, to 1.2" (3cm.) apart. Spines pale yellow, sometimes darker above, few or weak at the apex, developing later in the lower half of the areole. Seven to 10 radial spines to 1.3" (3.2cm.) long with the bottom one the longest; 1-2 central spines to 2.75" (7cm.) long.
Flowers/Fruit: White flower to 5.5" (14cm.) long. Fruit ovoid, wooly.
Distribution: South East Bolivia.
Trichocereus vasquezii
Body: Huntington Botanical Gardens specimen.
Ribs:
Areoles/Spines:
Flowers/Fruit:
Distribution:
Trichocereus vollianus
- B76
Body: Glossy, light green, erectly shrubby, branching from the base; branches to 4" (10cm.) diameter.
Ribs: about 13, rounded to .25" (7mm.) broad, .2" (5mm.) high.
Areoles/Spines: Areoles to 1" (2.5cm.) apart. Spines amber colored, 8-11 thin, sharp, radial spines, to .25" (7mm.) long; 1 central spine to 1" (2.5cm.) long.
Flowers/Fruit: White flower to 4.75" (12cm.) long. Fruit oblong and hairy.
Distribution: Arque-Cochabamba, Bolivia.
Subspecies: v. rubrispinus: Spines reddish-brown. Resembles T. spachianus but glossy and with opener spination.
Trichocereus vulcanenisis
- H
Body: Huntington Botanical Gardens specimen.
Ribs:
Areoles/Spines:
Flowers/Fruit:
Distribution:
Trichocereus werdermannianus
- B76 /Agurell 69.2
Body: Forming a large tree to over 16.5' (5m.) high, with a trunk to 3.3' (1m.) high and 16" (40cm.) diameter.
Ribs: 10 at first, later 14 or more, to .75" (2cm.) high.
Areoles/Spines: Areoles 1" (2.5cm.) apart. On new growth about 10 spines, central spine barely differentiated, to 2.75" (7cm.) long. Later growth increasing in number. All spines yellowish, horn-colored or brownish. Flowers/Fruit: White flower to 8" (20cm.) long. Fruit to 1.4" (3.5cm.) diameter.
Distribution: Southern Bolivia.

 

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