Trichocereus bertramianus is a high altitude columnar cactus found in Bolivia in the Andes between 3200-4100 m above sea level. The plants derive from a population that grows on Cerro Comanche together with the magnificent queen of the Andes, Puya raimondii. This cactus has a columnar shape and can reach 2-2.5 m in height. In its habitat, as for Puya raimondii, growth is very slow due to adverse environmental conditions (low temperatures all year round, predominantly rocky terrain and very little rainfall), but in cultivation it grows rapidly. The stem is deep green and has a rounded apex. It has numerous ribs marked by sparse areoles that carry up to 6 radial yellow-brown spines. The young plants are almost hairless, but as they grow they form a dense down that has the purpose of protecting them from the intense cold and intense solar radiation. Mature plants form beautiful funnel-shaped white flowers. They are large and faintly scented, but their beauty is ephemeral as they open from night until morning.
Pedoclimatic requirements
Grow in well-drained soil, not too rich and predominantly mineral. Sunny exposure. In winter it resists up to -6°/-8° C as long as it is kept dry. It can be grown in the ground in Mediterranean gardens where temperatures do not fall below -2°/-4° C. In colder climates it can be grown in pots and placed outdoors during spring and summer and sheltered during autumn and winter.
Botanical Information
Botanical Name: Trichocereus bertramiamus
Family: Cactaceae
