Trichocereus bertramianus (syn. Echinopsis) - mountain cactus MDB4 Cerro Bomanche of Bolivia (30 seeds)

Trichocereus bertramianus is a high-altitude columnar cactus found in Bolivia in the Andes between 3200-4100 m above sea level. The seeds come 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 own habitat, as for Puya raimondii, growth is very slow due to adverse environmental conditions (low temperatures all year round, predominantly rocky soil and very little rainfall), but in cultivation it grows rapidly. The stem is intense green in color and has a rounded apex. It has numerous ribs marked by sparse areoles which bear up to 6 radial spines of yellow-brown colour. The young plants are almost hairless, but as they grow they form dense hair which has the purpose of protecting them from the intense cold and intense solar radiation. The mature plants form beautiful white funnel-shaped flowers. They are large and faintly scented, but their beauty is ephemeral as they open from night until morning.

Pedoclimatic needs

Grow in well-drained soil, not too rich and predominantly mineral. Sunny exposure. In winter it resists down 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 the winter. autumn and winter.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Trichocereus bertramiamus MDB4 Cerro Comanche La Paz (Bolivia)

Family: Cactaceae