From benkamm at monitor.net Mon Aug 2 12:58:31 2010 From: benkamm at monitor.net (benkamm at monitor.net) Date: Mon, 2 Aug 2010 12:58:31 -0700 Subject: [Sacred Succulents] Travelogue and Andean seed Message-ID: (do not ?reply? to this email, send all correspondence to - sacredsucculents at hushmail.com ) 8/2/10 Greetings to all, We list here for the first time our seed offerings of this year's Andean accessions. All of these are avialable in very limited quantities, many may never be restocked again, so this is a once in a lifetime chance to help propagate and preserve these amazing plants. Additional seeds will be available through Rare Plant List #30, which is in the works. After some delay, copies of our ethnobotanical notes and complete descriptive list of our seed collections from the expedition along with a CD of over 400 incredible photos of the places and plants is now available for $10 (postage paid US, add $2 foreign) What follows is a further report on our recent Andean expedition. We will continue this travelogue over the next week. If you missed the first and 2nd installment you can read them at- http://lists.sonic.net/pipermail/sacredsucculents/2010-June.txt & http://lists.sonic.net/pipermail/sacredsucculents/2010-July.txt Bolivian Travelogue part 3 - In the morning we explored the dry mid-elevation valleys (around 7,000') on the way from Aquile to Mizque. Prosopis (algorroba, Andean mesquite) was the dominant tree in the valleys, and after some searching we found trees that did indeed resemble P. pallida of the coast with upright habit and long sweet chewy pods. About these trees, our colleague Neil Logan had this to say- ?The organism we observed near Aquile, Cochabamba Dept., Bolivia is a candidate for proto-species for the Prosopis pallida / P. limensis cultigen found along the coast of Peru. The tree has an erect form with edible pods nearly identical to the Peruvian coastal Prosopis complex. P. affinis, P. alba and P. pallida are all reported to be native to Southcentral/Western Bolivia and the origins of American Prosopis is believed to be in the Northwestern Argentina, Southern Bolivia, Northern Paraguay region and would have speciated from there. Likely (based on observation not genetics) what we know as the Prosopis pallida / P. limensis of Coastal Peru and introduced to places like Hawaii (1828), Brazil (1942), Senegal, Haiti and elsewhere, originated from hybrids of the above species selected by humans for their erect form, lack of thorns, and sweet abundant pods. This hypothesis is in opposition to the belief that this species complex had instead originated from selections derived from Ecuadorian/Northern Peruvian origin. This would also suggest that ocean migrations of people to South America would have landed them further south near coastal Northern Chile where they migrated inland to the highlands and across into the jungles. These people would eventually form city centers like those around Lake Titikaka and radiated out from there carrying plant selections with them. However, this process would have begun long before civilizations had solidly coalesced. When I first set out to study Prosopis in Bolivia I believed that P. pallida in Central Bolivia would represent a disjunct population brought to the Cochabamba region by the same Quechua migration that may have been responsible for bringing Trichocereus pachanoi to the same region from Northern Peru. The Quechua name for Prosopis in Coastal Peru is Gurango or Huarango. The more southerly Prosopis are referred to as Tako or Tacho or Tacu, words of probable Aymara origin translating roughly as ?the tree? or ?the one?, pointing to their prominence in culture and landscape. Since this language and the Inkan culture itself for that matter, appear to originate in the Bolivia region, this also helps to point to Bolivia/ Northern Argentina as the source of original human selection of superior Prosopis genetics in the Americas. Prosopis affinis would contribute an erect form with short spines, jugate to bi-jugate bi-pinnate leaf pattern and the flower raceme up to twice as long as the leaf rachis, while P. alba would contribute the large, golden, sweet and productive pods. As these combined organisms encountered lower elevations and higher temperatures they would produce more leaf divisions per leaf and more leaves per node. When those conditions became more humid and or coastal, the trees would naturally adapt larger leaves to accommodate greater transpiration rates (in high humidity) for faster growth, or many smaller leaves per node with cilia that increases surface area to capture air humidity in an otherwise arid environment. And then again all of this could be complete B.S., that is bear scat, because this year we also found out about the connection between the rare spectacled dry forest bear, Tremarctos ornatus, and early Prosopis dispersal. These bears are know voracious foragers who love sweet fruit and tend to pass more seeds then they digest. The bears alone may have done most of the selection work moving Prosopis around along migrations routes that could have taken them easily as far north as Venezuela and as far south as Southcentral Argentina. The bears would have naturally selected for sweet pods and less thorns for obvious reasons. Observant humans likely came along and exploited both the bear and its hard work of selecting the premier Prosopis genetics over millennia. Beyond that and a comprehensive genetics study, anyone?s guess is as good as mine. One thing is for sure: Prosopis has a long standing relationship with humans in the Americas. The genus may hold much promise for the future of humanity as well.? During the drive to Mizque we continued to look for T. riomizquensis, but no Trichocereus was seen. We stopped to search some suitable habitats for the endemic Echeveria bakeri which was collected on this route by a Huntington Botanical Garden expedition in the mid 1980s. This plant remained elusive as well. Once we crossed the Mizque River again and came to the bustling town of Mizque our hopes were still high for finding the Trichocereus, yet not a single plant was observed. Our inquiries for Coca Colla were hopeless. From here, our plan was to take the high mountain route to Arani through cloud forest and Puya raimondii groves, then from there head south, looking for additional cacti and endemic bulb seed, staying at Torotoro National Park which boasts hundreds of dinosaur tracks, fossils, and kilometers of caves. However, 45 minutes out from Mizque the road was closed until evening for repairs. At this long delay we changed plans and thought we?d try the road from Mizque to Totora, which our map showed as a major route. This was not so. It took us a good deal of time to actually find the nondescript gravel turnoff, then barely make it over 2 crossings of the Rio Mizque before learning from another driver that it was 4?5 hours more of questionable dirt road to Totora. We did find a few robust Vilca trees (Anadenanthera colubrina, source of a hallucinogenic snuff that had a huge influence on earlier Andean cultures) growing along the river and the pachycaul shrub, Jatropha papyrifera with shockingly gorgeous golden peeling bark. At this point the sun was beginning its descent, so we chose to head back by the much safer Arani route, though it was pitch dark by the time we passed through cloud forest or Puya habitat and made the steep descent to the town of Arani in the Cochabamba basin. ... to be continued RARE PLANT & SEED LIST - Issue 30 is in the works and should be ready in the next 2 weeks. Another very large and diverse issue, don?t miss it! There?ll be new Trichocereus specimens and rarities, first chance at a plethora of new seed from our recent Andean expedition to Peru and Bolivia, new seed from South Africa, Chile, and the Himalayas! If you are not subscribed or have let your subscription lapse, we encourage you to sign up now. 4 issues for $5 or 8 issues for $8. This is where we list our offerings of rarities and specimens. GIFT CERTIFICATES - are always available! NEW OFFERINGS ANDEAN ETHNOBOTANICAL SEED COLLECTIONS, PERU & BOLIVIA, 2010 >From mid April to mid May 2010 we explored the mountains of southern Peru and central Bolivia, collecting seed and studying the ethnobotany of the regions. Only responsible conservation minded collections of seed was made. Preservation through distribution and propagation. Most of this seed went to those who subscribed to the seed shares prior to the expedition, but we have a limited quantity of interesting species still available. Once in a lifetime offerings, when these are sold out many may never be available again. Additional seeds from our expedition are listed in Rare Plant List 30. Purchase of this seed will help support future expeditions and the continual study of the amazing diversity of Andean plant life, ethnobotanical knowledge, and Trichocereusdistribution. - SEED - We have general recommendations for germination and cultivation. Many of these plants are new to cultivation, and their needs may prove contrary to our suggestions. Some seed can be very slow to germinate, so hold onto the seed pots for up to 3 years. Please keep track of the collection data and your germination results and let us know! This way you can help contribute to the long term study of the remarkable plants of these regions. Alnus acuminata BK10508.6 ?Aliso? Lambran? ?Andean Alder? Betulaceae. Young trees to 15'+. Growing with small Polylepis tomentella ssp. incanoides. Just past Koari, before Pocona on the way to Totora, Cochabamba Dept., Bolivia, near 10,000'. In other parts of the Andes we have seen this species grow to majestic proportions, up to 60' tall. Highly versatile tree, fixes nitrogen in the soil, wood used for construction and leaves as a fertilizer. The leaves and flowers are made into tea that is considered a good overall tonic, useful for arthritis, colic, and externally for wound healing. Leaves and bark produce a yellow and beige dye. This tree was once widespread along watersheds throughout the Andes up to 13,000'. Another keystone species that was highly regarded by the Inca who encouraged its planting throughout their empire. A vital species for reforestation work and an excellent choice for permaculture and agroforestry systems. Z8a?9a Seed packet $4 Begonia baumanii BK10509.8 ?Killu killu? ?Graniso t?ika? Medium size tuber with round crinkled leaves to 6" diameter. Large rose colored flowers on 2' stalk. Growing on rock outcrops above ruins of Inkallajta, Cochabamba Dept., Bolivia. This lovely endemic is reported to be used in rain rituals. The tubers are chopped and used to curdle milk for making cheese, said to impart an interesting flavor. Z8?9? Seed packet $4.50 Blechnum? BK10512.10 Blechnaceae. Unusual and distinct fern with a rosette of thick compound leaves to about 12" tall, like a miniature cycad. Polylepis lanata forest understory and edges. Above Rio Lope Mendoza, Cochabamba Dept., Bolivia. We are not at all sure of the I.D. of this plant, as our fern knowledge is very spotty, but many years ago we saw Blechnum form small tree ferns at high altitudes in southern Peru. Z8? Spore packet $4 Cheilanthes bonariensis BK10426.3 Pteridaceae. Attractive xerophytic fern with erect grey fuzzy leaves to 6". Growing on rocks, descent from Pumamarca, Cusco Dept., Peru, 10,800'. May be chewed like coca leaf, other Cheilanthes and Polypodium ferns have been reported as coca substitutes. Z8?9? Spore packet $4 Cleistocactus buchtienii BK10506.1 ?Kitisira? Cactaceae. Slender cylindrical stems to 6'. Orangish to whitish spines, fine and needlelike. Pale red tubular flowers. Small edible fruit. Base of Cerro San Pedro, Cochabamba, Bolivia, near 8,500'. On our last day in the region we were told by friends that stems of this cactus are the preferred source for make ?llujta? a regional kind of llipta for chewing with coca leaves. Naturally dead and dried stems are collected, ones with white rather than orangish spines are said to be superior. These are then burned and the resulting ash mixed with a little cooked potato starch and formed into cylinders to dry. A small amount of this is chewed with coca leaves to facilitate and add to their beneficial stimulating properties. Z9b? Seed packet $5 Cypella herrerae? BK10430.1 ?Michi-michi? Iridaceae. Grass-like leaves to 18". Large iridescent blue flowers with yellow splotches, a true jewel of a blossom. Near the Wari ruins of Pikillacta south of Cusco City, Peru, 10,700'. The bulb of some species is edible and used medicinally for cough and inflammation. Z8?9 Seed packet $4 Dioscorea sp. BK10509.2 Vine to 10'+, large heart shaped leaves. Likely one of the ?tortoise-shell? caudex forming species. Growing on Alnus next to the river, near the ruins of Inkallajta, Cochabamba Dept., Bolivia, near 10,000'. Many Dioscorea seed have delayed germination, up to 6+ months. Z8b?9b? 10 seed $4 Echinopsis bridgesii BK10504.4 Cactaceae. Clustering cylindrical cactus 8?12" high. Spines to 1" long. Large white funnelform flowers, small edible fruit. Growing with Trichocereus bridgesii, Prosopis, etc. Huachjilla, La Paz, Bolivia. Cut pieces of stem are sometimes used in ?misa? offerings in the region. Z8b?9a Seed packet $4 Elaphoglossum engelii? BK10428.4 Dryopteridaceae. A fern with clusters of upright linear leaves to 5?8", larger at lower altitudes. Front side of the leaves is grey-green and the back side is black with the spore mass making an attractive contrast. Just above Huacahuasi, Cusco Dept., Peru, 12,700'. Growing with Brachyotum shrubs and a small Vaccinium sp. We are not sure on the identification, could be a different species or even a Polypodium. Z7?8? Spore packet $4 Eryngium sp. BK10509.14 Apiaceae. Puya-like rosette of serrated curled dark-green leaves to 2' across. Flower stalk to 5' with dark green/purple/brown flower heads. Scrub below ruins, Inkallajta, Cochabamba Dept., Bolivia. Flower heads and leaves of Eryngium are made into a tea for cough, flu and fever. Some germination after 3 weeks warm, may do better with cold stratification. Z8a?b? Seed packet $4 Escallonia resinosa BK10509.4 ?Chachacomo? Saxifragaceae or Escalloniaceae. Tree to 20'+, forms a thickened gnarled trunk with age. Smaller leaves than E. resinosa we?ve seen in Peru. Spires of sweetly scented white flowers adorn the branch ends. Growing along the ravine that splits the ruins of Inkallajata, Cochabamba Dept., Bolivia, 10,000'. A decoction of the plant is used as a cerebral tonic and carminative. A cataplasm of the wood is used to alleviate arthritis and rheumatism. The hardwood is used in construction and in Cusco the young shoots are woven into baskets for storing potatoes. The leaves produce a reddish to purple dye. In southern Peru this tree is the host plant for the butterfly Metardaris cosinga whose chrysalis (known as ?huaytampu? ) is considered a delectable food. Chachacomo is another keystone species of the mostly extinct high Andean forests, occurs up to 13,000'+. This wonderful tree should be widely planted. Surface sow the small seed and keep warm to germinate in 2?4 weeks. Z7?8? Seed packet $5 Grindelia boliviana BK10423.1 ?Ch?iri ch?iri? Asteraceae. Small herb to about 12", resinous aromatic leaves and yellow daisy flowers. Similar to our native Californian species. Growing with arid scrub, descent to the town of Pisac, Cusco Dept., Peru, 10,300'. This modest plant is an extremely important medicinal in the southern Andes, used as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory for sore muscles and rheumatism, wound healing and fractures, various infections, and kidney pains. Z8?9? Seed packet $4 Harrisia tetracantha (=Roseocereus tephracanthus) BK10508.3 ?Ulala? ?Pasakana? Cactaceae. Candelabra cactus with cylindrical stems to 10'+, white spines. White to pinkish funnelform flowers and green to reddish fruit with sweet white flesh, 2?3" diameter, widely eaten in the region. Prosopis forest, Tiatako, Cochabamba Dept., Bolivia, 7,500'. A plant that has done a lot of name hopping, it has been classified as Eriocereus and even Trichocereus. This was by far the most common cactus species we encountered throughout the mid elevations of Cochabamba Dept., near Aquile and Mizque we saw huge stands to 20'+ tall made up of hundreds of stems. The juice of the stems of the closely related H. tortuosus is reported to produce lethargy when drunk and is used to treat epilepsy and other nervous system problems. Z9b Seed packet $4 Hesperomeles ferruginea BK10512.6 ?T?uko? Trees 30?40'+. Grey fissured oak-like bark. 2?3" oval leaves, dark-green rough surface with reddish-brown tomentose undersides. White flowers and 1/2" black edible fruit (pomes) in clusters, similar to hawthorn fruit. This is the first time we?ve encountered this impeccably handsome species as a true tree, forming dense forest with scattered trees of Berberis, Prumnopitys, Vallea, undergrowth of ferns, Ribes, Rubus, bordered by Gunnera, Gaultheria, and Pernettya. Above Rio Lope Mendoza, circa El Puente, Cochabamba Dept., Bolivia, about 11,000'. The hard wood is valued as timber and firewood which explains the scarcity of intact forest or even trees over 12' throughout the Andes. An essential candidate for reforestation and agroforestry systems up to 13,000'. Would also make an exquisite landscape specimen. Seed has been slow to sprout, 10% germination after 2 months warm, may need 30?60 days cold treatment. Z7?8 or lower. 5 seed $4 Oenothera sp.BK10511.4 Onagraceae. Erect plant to 12" tall with slender dark green leaves blushed purple. Deep orange primrose flowers. One of the nicest primrose flowers we?ve seen. Rocky area amongst Puya raimondii, near Rodeo, Cochabamba Dept., Bolivia, 13,300'. Leaves of Oenothera species are used for wound healing in the Andes. Z6?7? Seed packet $4 Pecluma? BK10426.1 Polypodiaceae. Long green graceful leaves to 18"+ with slender leaflets. Growing on rocks near the ruins of Pumamarca with Peperomia peruviana, Peperomia sp., Cheilanthes pruinata, and Escallonia resinosa, Cusco Dept., Peru, about 12,000'. We are not at all sure of the I.D. of this plant, as our fern knowledge is very spotty, it could be a Polypodium or possibly Asplenium. Z8?9? Spore packet $4 Peperomia galioides BK10424.1 ?Congona? Large clusters of upright green succulent stems 6?12" tall. Whorls of succulent leaves, yellow flower spikes. Growing on steep rocky slopes with decumbent Trichocereus cuzcoensis, Tillandsia spp., Sedum sp., Cheilanthes , behind the orphanage Casa de Milagros, Lamay, Cusco Dept., Peru, 9,600'. Said to be the most important medicinal Peperomia by Pino, used for ?everything?. Reported to be a very effective painkiller and calming sedative. Has a delicious balsam with a hint of lemon aroma when crushed. Peperomia can take 4?8 + weeks to germinate, sprout like cacti, seed stored for 1 year has higher germination, some do best at cool temperatures. Z9a?b Seed packet $4.50 Pernettya prostrata BK10511.3 Miniature form of this widespread species, to only 2" tall, creeping to 10?12" across. White bell flowers and small black fruits, fairly sweet tasting. Growing next to spring fed acequia just below Puya raimondii populations, near Rodeo, Cochabamba Dept., Bolivia, 13,100'. Z6?7? Seed packet $4 Pernettya sp. BK10511.11 Small shrub to 3'. White bell flowers and purple berries. Slender glossy leaves, new growth deep red. Growing under Polylepis lanata trees, near Kewina Casa, Cochabamba Dept., Bolivia, 11,500'. Similar to what we collected near Lares, Peru in 2008. Taxonomically it probably falls into the diverse P. prostrata complex. The berries were sweet and agreeable, though some Pernettya are reported to cause intoxication or even delirium if eaten in excess. Seed sprouts in 4?6 weeks warm. Z7?8? Seed packet $4 Polylepis tomentella ssp. incanoides BK10509.20 ?Kewina? Upright multi-branching trees 15?30'+. Contorted trunks with dark-red peeling bark, deep green leaves, dangling clusters of yellow-green flowers. This beautiful subspecies is endemic to central and southern Bolivia, it seems to favor a slightly warmer/dryer climate than other species. Growing with Berberis sp., Baccharis sp., bunchgrasses and the occasional Trichocereus totorensis and Cleistocactus sp. Restricted to arroyos primarily due to agricultural activity and overgrazing. Though there were a good number of large individuals and the bird diversity was quite high, these forests felt in transition and had the heavy mark of man and his beasts. Between Monte Puncu and Totora, Cochabamba Dept., Bolivia, 9,500'. An Andean genus of 26 species in the rose family, Polylepis forests once covered over 20% of the Andes up to 17,000'+ in elevation. These forest were slowly cleared over millennia and massacred over the last 500 years and reduced to almost nothing. Polylepis are amongst the most enchanting trees we have ever encountered, with their contorted trunks and peeling bark, not to mention their rebellious nature; this is a tree that actually dares to grow above the treeline. Extremely hard wood excellent for construction and firewood, used medicinally for lung issues, bark chewed for oral health. Beige, pale pink and green dyes are obtained from the tree. Polylepis were considered sacred during Incan times and were associated with the ancestors, forests were venerated and protected. Propagation and reforestation is essential for sustainable development in the Andes. Polylepis forests are known to harbor the highest diversity of plants, birds and other fauna of any ecosystem in the high Andes.Z7?8? 5 seed $4 Puya herzogii BK10511.5 Clusters of 2?3' rosettes of grey serrated leaves. Large club like inflorescence to 6?8' tall, flowering bracts covered in a white and grey fuzz, yellow-green flowers with bright orange pollen. The impressive flower stalks makes this one of our favorite species. Growing amongst Puya raimondii, near Rodeo, Cochabamba Dept., Bolivia, 13,300'. Seed slow to germinate, may need special treatment. Z7?8? Seed packet $4 Puya mirabilis BK10506.2 Single rosette of very slender white leaves to 12"+ diameter. Flower stalk to 3'. Should have yellow-green iridescent flowers to beguile hummingbirds. Base of Cerro San Pedro, Cochabamba, Bolivia. Tadeo Haenke wrote in 1795 that an unidentified Puya was used to treat syphillis. Z9a?b? Seed packet $4 Puya sp. BK10504.2 Bromeliaceae. Rosettes to 18" across with serrated silver leaves with a red blush. Forms clusters of 3?4 heads, 12" prostrate stems that look like they?ve survived repeated fires. 4' inflorescence with densely packed seed pods. Flowers unseen. Growing with Trichocereus bridgesii, Prosopis sp., Corryocactus, Echinopsis, etc, Huachjilla, La Paz, Bolivia. Puya species are used for external wound healing and magical purposes throughout the Andes. Around Cusco the flowers stalks are burned to make ?llipta? for coca chewing. Z8?9 Seed packet $4 Siphocampylus sp. BK10509.11 ?K?au sillu? Campanulaceae. Herbaceous plant to 2?3'. Extremely showy heads of orange and yellow tubular flowers, undoubtedly to draw hummingbirds. Rocky areas above ruins of Inkallajta, Cochabamba Dept., Bolivia, 10,000'. In parts of Bolivia and southern Peru the latex of S. tupaeformis is reported to be chewed like gum. In northern Peru it is considered a companion to the San Pedro cactus and is planted around homes for protection and acting as a ?gaurdian?. Surface sow seed. Z8a?9a? Seed packet $4 Solanum sp. BK10510.2 Solanaceae. 12" prickly stems. 1?2" leathery tomato like fruits, yellow with green mottling, questionably edible/medicinal. Growing at edge of agricultural fields, 10km from Aquile towards Mizque, Cochabamba Dept., Bolivia, 7,200'. Z9b Seed packet $4 Tagetes sp. BK10510.1 ?Suico? ?Wakatay? Asteraceae. Annual to 2'. Aromatic leaves, orang-yellow flowers. Growing with the previous collection. Tagetes are used as a condiment and flavoring in a diversity of Andean dishes. Medicnally they are digestive aids. Encouraged to grow near fields because they repel soil nematodes. Z9b Seed packet $4 Trichocereus riomizquensis BK10508.7 ?Achuma? Upright stand to 8' tall. 2?5" diameter stems with green to blue-green to yellow-green epidermis. 4?7 radial spines with 1?3 central spines to 3" long. Looks to be a distinct spiny form of T. bridgesii. Planted around the town of Totora, Cochabamba Dept., Bolivia, 9,000'. Growing with Buddleja, Carica, and Asteraceae. Local women call it ?achuma? and use it externally to treat fever. No one knew where it grew wild. We searched where Ritter first described the plant at Chujllas, and along the Rio Mizque, adjacent valleys and slopes, but never found a single wild plant. Z9a?b Seed packet $5 Urtica flabellata BK10428.3 ?K?isa? ?Ortiga? Urticaceae. Small species to 6" that forms tight clumps of dense, spiny, rounded leaves, like a henbit. Distinct from the other small species that grows in the region. Makes a good tea or addition to soups. Nutritive medicinal like other species. Growing near a small lake on the descent from Ipsay Pass, Cusco Dept., Peru, 13,500'. Z5?6? Seed packet $4 Vaccinium floribundum BK10428.6 ?Andean huckleberry? Ericaceae. Beautiful shrub to 2' with glaucus-blue leaves, new growth is a erotic reddish-purple. Dense clusters of white bell flowers precede the clusters of delicious blueberries. Forms small thickets in rocky areas above Rio Trapiche, between Huacahuasi and Lares, Cusco Dept., Peru, 12,000'. Cultivated in some parts of the Andes for its esteemed berries, has great potential for edible landscapes worldwide. Cold stratify seed. Z8. Seed packet $4.50 Andean Collections and Photos 2010- CD/DVD with 400+ photos from our Spring travels in Cusco, Peru including photos of the seldom visited lush Lares Valley, and Cochabamba, Bolivia where we examined the dryland cactus filled forests of the valleys, the endangered Polylepis forests of the higher mountains and the remote Incan archaeological site Inkallajta. Comes with a complete list of our seed collections with ethnobotanical notes and cultivation suggestions. Now available!! $10 postage paid, foreign orders add $2 Fresh Seed Harvest!! Fockea edulis ?Bergkambroo? Asclepiadaceae. Develops a large warty caudex/tuber up to a foot in diameter and several feet long. A mass of twining stems arise from the top of the caudex. Small unusual star like flowers. This odd plant has a long history as an important food and water source for the tribal people of South Africa and has without a doubt contributed over the ages to human survival in the Kalahari desert. The caudex is eaten fresh, baked like sweet potato and made into a chunky jam. The plant is quite easily grown and a favorite among caudiciphiles. Sow seeds just under the surface of a regular succulent soil mix. As the caudex grows, more of it can be exposed every couple years when repotted. When growing this plant for food, transplanting to 5 or 10 gallon pots after the first year and harvesting the root in the 2nd or 3rd year is suggested. Tolerant of mild frost if well mulched. 15+ seed $2.50 Sale Summer 2010 The following are on sale until the end of August or while supplies last! Seed Sale! All Chilean seed and California Native seed 20% off! All seed from our 2008 & 09 Ethnobotanical Collections 20% off - this is the last chance to get seed of many of our collections from Peru and Bolivia, some of which will never be retocked again! PLANTS Cactaceae Ariocarpus trigonus Green claw-like tubercles, yellow flowers. 2"+ plant 8+ years old $14/ Sale Price $11 Ariocarpus retusus v. furfuraceus Blue rounded tubercles, white flowers. 2"+ plant 8+ years old $14/ Sale Price $11 Pachycereus pringlei The sacred Cardon cactus. 3?4" diameter 12"+ tall plant $25*/ Sale Price $20* or 2 for $36* (*heavy shipping applies) Trichocereus sp. Luther Burbank Heirloom peruvianoid from the celebrated plant mystic. 6"+ long cutting $15/ Sale Price $12 Trichocereus sp. Torres & Torres Upright pachanoi-like plant from norhtern Chile. 6"+ cutting $14/ Sale Price $10 or 2 for $18 Trichocereus andalgalensis X Trichocereus grandiflorus v. crassicaulis Beautiful hybrid. 3"+ plant $6.50/ Sale Price $5.50 Other Succulents and Xerophytes Agave cordillerensis NL52409 Andean species from seed collected in Bolivia. 2?3" Plant $7.50/ Sale Price $6 or 2 for $10 Agave gentryi La Escondida A rosette of sculptural wonder. 2?3" plant $6.50/ Sale Price $5.50 Agave montana Beauty from the mountains of Mexico. 2?3" plant $6.50/ Sale Price $5.50 or 2 for $9 Boophane disticha Poisonous entheogenic bulb from southern Africa. Plant $6.50/ Sale Price $5.50 Commiphora africana Gum bdellium trees. 8?12"+ seedling $9.50/ Sale Price $7.50 Commiphora mollis Another aromatic myrrh relative. 8?12"+ seedling $9.50/ Sale Price $7.50 Dioscorea sylvatica Lobed caudex, heart shaped leaves. Plant with 1.5?2"+ caudex $10/ Sale Price $7.50 Ephedra equisetina Mu Zei Ma Huang. Plant $7.50 or 2 for $12.75/ Sale Price $6 or 2 for $10 Ephedra nevadensis Desert joint fir. Plant $7.50/ Sale Price $6 Ephedra viridis Mormon tea. Plant $7.50/ Sale Price $6 Puya berteroniana Pineapple relative with huge showy flowers stalks. 2"+ plant $7.50/ Sale Price $6 or 2 for $10 Puya sp. BK08521.5 From our seed collection in Peru, dark-green metallic flowers. 2"+ plant $7.50/ Sale Price $6 Edibles, Medicinals, Beneficials Betula utilis CC5763 Himilayan birch, beautiful gold peeling bark. 18?24" plant $7.50 or 2 for $13/ Sale Price $6 or 2 for $11 Bomarea sp. BK08526.8 Vining lily from our seed collection Raqchi, Peru. Plant $7.50/ Sale Price $6 Disporum cantoniense ex DJHC 729 Graceful woodland medicinal/edible from China. Plant $7.50/ Sale Price $6 Lapageria rosea Vine with large rose bells, national flower of Chile. Seedling $12/ Sale price $9.50 Pernettya furens Evergreen blueberry reltive from Chile. Plant $6.50/ Sale Price $5.50 Andean Tubers ?Oca? Oxalis tuberosa BK08516.7 Yellow flattened cylindrical tubers with slender pink eyes. Plant $14.50/ Sale Price $11 Oxalis tuberosa BK08516.8 Yellow with a pinkish blush, after exposure to light they turn a deeper pink/maroon. Plant $14.50/ Sale Price $11 Oxalis tuberosa Bauml ?Golden? Deep golden yellow tubers. Plant $14.50/ Sale Price $11 Oxalis tuberosa Bauml ?Crema de Rosa? Cream colored with a pink-red blush. Plant $14.50/ Sale Price $11 Oxalis tuberosa OAEC ?Pink? Rounded pink-red tubers. Plant $10.50/ Sale Price $7.50 Oxalis tuberosa Kapular ?Orange? Orange to salmon-red tubers. Plant $10.50/ Sale Price $7.50 ?Papa Lisa? ?Ulluco? Ullucus tuberosus BK08607.1 Round yellow tubers with pink speckles. Plant $14.50/ Sale Price $11 NEW BOOKS We?ve added over a dozen new titles. For the complete list see- http://www.sacredsucculents.com/books.html SHIPPING & HANDLING: Seeds? First class mail USA $2.00; Air mail international $4.00 Plants (USA only)? First class priority mail= $6.00 for the first plant $1.50 each additional plant. Seeds ride free when ordered with plants. Add $1 per plant if you want them sent potted. CA RESIDENTS ADD 8.25% SALES TAX We still only take Cash (USD$ or Euros), Money Orders, or Checks. You can print out an order form- http://www.sacredsucculents.com/orderform.pdf and mail it with payment to our Po Box SACRED SUCCULENTS PO Box 781, Sebastopol, CA 95473 USA Email: sacredsucculents at hushmail.com http://www.sacredsucculents.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: SS expedition seed 2010.pdf Type: application/octet-stream Size: 133576 bytes Desc: not available URL: From benkamm at monitor.net Tue Aug 10 11:57:45 2010 From: benkamm at monitor.net (benkamm at monitor.net) Date: Tue, 10 Aug 2010 11:57:45 -0700 Subject: [Sacred Succulents] Travelogue and Baja possibilities Message-ID: (do not ?reply? to this email, send all correspondence to - sacredsucculents at hushmail.com ) 8/10/10 Greetings to all, Fog remains the summer trend here. The columnar Trichocereus are blooming and diverse seed harvests are coming in. The Baja trip that was postponed last year is rescheduled for this November. I am not the one coordinating the trip, so if you have any questions, direct them to Gabriela. See below- BAJA BOTANICAL JOURNEY, NOVEMBER 5?10, 2010 Come discover the Cape region of Baja California! Enjoy traveling with experienced plant experts, from the Sarcocaule desert, sacred Cardon cactus forests and tropical coasts to the oak pine mountains of the Southeastern region of the Baja Peninsula. Amazing diverse ecosystems home to many rare medicinal and edible plants and cacti, as many as 88 endemic species. Enjoy waterfall pools & hot springs on the way, deserted beaches, wildflower displays, exotic fruits and star full nights. Learn about local plant uses and contribute to conservation efforts. http://www.ecobaja.com/47962/74821.html $645 dollars per person. Space is limited, so register now! Price includes all in country transportation, lodging, food, guides and nature reserve fees. It does not include airfare or travel insurance. For registration, itinerary, and other inquiries contact Gabriela at - Gabriela at ecobaja.com With: Dennis Sharmahd - Edible Landscaper, Herbalist, Mycologist Has been camping & exploring Baja since he was a child. Grows rare and edible cactus fruits on his farm in Escondido, CA. He has been teaching about wild edible & medicinal plants for almost 30 years. Ben Kamm ? Director of Botanical Preservation Corps and Sacred Succulents nursery and seed bank. Ethnobotanical researcher and student of the herbalist traditions of the world. A conservation horticulturalist working with ecologically innovative methods of propagation and seed germination of rare beneficial plants. Ben is dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of traditional and contemporary plant knowledge as well as the plants themselves. Ben is new to the Baja region, but will be contributing his diverse plant knowledge and enthusiasm for exploration. Gabriela Flores ? Conservationist, Baja guide and trip coordinator. _________________ What follows is a final report on our recent Andean expedition. We will follow up with our further thoughts on Andean forests and conservation issues as time allows. If you missed the previous installments you can read them at- http://lists.sonic.net/pipermail/sacredsucculents/2010-June.txt & http://lists.sonic.net/pipermail/sacredsucculents/2010-June/000022.html & http://lists.sonic.net/pipermail/sacredsucculents/2010-August.txt Bolivian Travelogue part 4 - The previous day?s delay meant it was not feasible to make the long trip to Torotoro, so we elected to backtrack partway along the route we had come in the dark. From the sleepy town of Arani (famous for its flat bread and corn) in the Cochabamba basin we made the dramatic ascent into the Cordillera de Vacas. We passed through rolling mountains, and as one would expect from the name, heavily overgrazed, with only a few small contorted Polylepis tomentella trees here and there. We learned much later that they are in fact an endemic dwarf subspecies; P. tomentella ssp. nana . We stopped briefly to examine a patch of Trichocereus vollianus, a cactus with upright heavily clustering columns to 7?8' tall, densely spined with 1/2" yellow/orange to white spines. It was growing near an abandoned homestead along with the lovely red blossomed Salvia haenkei, whose flowers are brewed as a sweet reddish tea regionally. Our first destination was a section of Bolivia?s largest reported population of ?Machukawara?; Puya raimondii, near the town of Rodeo, with numbers exceeding 10,000 plants scattered over the Cordillera de Vacas above 12,000'. We drove to about 13,000' then hiked a bit further through open rocky ground to the denser stands of this tree size pineapple relative. Upon flowering these amazing beings have been known to reach nearly 40' tall. These plants take 30 to 80 years to blossom, then die. Once widespread, now only small populations remain, scattered throughout high elevations of Peru and Bolivia. Growing amongst these giants was the smaller but impressive Puya herzogii with its club-like inflorescence. Here we also observed some unusual low-growing clumping cactus species, a Maiheuniopsis and what was possibly Weingartia or Eriosyce species, none were in flower for clear identification. There were also bizarre Cajophora with inflated pumpkin-like blossoms, Berberis, Ribes, a lovely orange flowered primrose, and a Phacelia species that looked nearly identical to our native P. californica! From here we were determined to find intact Kewina (Polylepis) forest, so we drove on to the small town of Kewina Casa which was completely devoid of the trees, but had plenty of introduced Eucalyptus! A bit further we entered dense plantations of Mexican pine and spotted what looked like Polylepis forest further up a ravine. A short hike and we were delighted to find that it was not Polylepis, but the so called Andean pine, Podocarpus. There were a few dozen individuals ranging from about 15?40' tall and we found a good number of small seedlings, a sign that regeneration is possible if kept from the axe and livestock. Podocarpus forests use to cover vast portions of the Andes up to 13,000', but other than a reserve in Ecuador and central Peru, these forests are no more. This was the first time we?d actually seen this tree in all of our Andean travels. Needless to say, propagation is vital. It?s mindboggling that Mexican pine is planted all over these mountains (with international support, no less) while this amazing native species is slipping away... The sun was getting low, so we moved on to another site. This did turn out to be the upper edge of a relic forest of the enchanting fuzzy leaved endemic Kewina, Polylepis lanata. These were all smaller trees 10?15' tall, yet we could see far below us large mature trees that looked to be at least 30'+. But dusk was fast approaching so we had no time to further explore such alluring woods. As we began our return to Arani, I spotted a vine with bright purple flowers; Passiflora umbilicata. With flowers to 6" across, lavender bracts highlighting its deep blue-purple petals, this was the most seductive passionflower I?d yet to meet! Our final day in the region. After failing to find Trichocereus riomizquensis growing wild anywhere, we decided to return to the only place we had seen the plant, the town of Totora, and make tissue samples for Dr. Martin Terry?s genetic studies. We inquired with the locals, and were told it is called ?achuma? (as is T. bridgesii of La Paz) and used to treat fever, yet no one knew where it grew wild. Several large stands had been planted around town and we took samples from tall spiny plants growing with Buddleja tucumanensis, stout Carica quercifolia, and Cleome boliviana whose wispy lilac flowers hovered above the plant like some bizarre neon insect. Near the town school there were a row of large Erythrina falcata dropping seed on the cobblestone road. Known locally as ?Chilijki?, this is a tree with a distinct and wonderful presence. It is thought that this was once a dominant tree in the Cochabamba basin, but no wild stands remain, just planted individuals at towns and homesteads. The flowers are eaten in salads in the region and the bark is used for digestive problems. As a nitrogen fixer, this is another prime species for reforestation in the Andes and use in agroforestry systems worldwide. To the Incas it was the sacred world tree, and they brought it from the mid elevations to the higher altitudes. We chose to spend our final hours looking for more intact Polylepis forests during our return to Cochabamba city. Most of what we had seen in the region up until now was widespread but scattered forest remnants and regrowth of young trees in fallow fields. We wanted to pay our respects to at least one old growth forest and experience the associated flora and fauna. The few larger thickets we could see from the road were on the upper reaches of the mountains and too far away for our limited time. Finally near El Puente we spotted a dense green forest just above the Lope Mendoza river. Over an hour hike from the road, through potato fields and windswept grasslands, past moss covered rocks hiding small Rebutia cacti, we could see that the upper region of the forest was in fact planted Mexican pine, yet the lower regions were clearly native woods with large trees. We descended to the river and navigated a boulder crossing, scrambled up the bank and to our utter surprise the first forest we approached was not Polylepis but another rose family member; Hesperomeles. We had only previously seen this plant as a large shrub. Here they were forming dense woods, with a thick oak-like bark and ovate leaves they reminded me of some hybrid lovespawn, borne from a hawthorn?s erotic dream of a California live oak and tan oak coupling. We marvelled at Berberis species to 20' tall, Vallea stipularis even taller with a 12" diameter barked trunk, a few specimens of another rare Andean ?pine?- Prumnopitys, and myriad odd ferns, Ericaceae, Gunnera, and Rubus. We hiked further up the slope passing through a boggy meadow and arrived in awe at a grove of large Polylepis lanata trees with their twisted dancing trunks growing amongst large boulders. The Andean forest primeval. Here large Tillandsia clung to their branches, red Fuchsia bloomed from the pink-bronze flaking bark of their trunks, and numerous strange birds sang from their canopies. We luxuriated in the beauty. Such places murmer a sweet communion with a primordial aspect of the human soul. And yet, it seems we must continually cast ourselves from Eden. Our time was too short, we had to find a course back over the river, to our vehicle and back to civilization. Looking wistfully further down the river towards the edge of Carrasco National Park we could see dense canopy of unknown native forest carousing untethered up the slopes, calling us to share in its fertile wonder. It still calls. We dream of return. During our long drive back to Cochabamba, Neil spotted an unusual stand of Trichocereus in front of a home near Cuchucunata. We pulled over to examine the plant which was T. pachanoi-like, but distinct from other clones we?ve seen, with a darker glossy-green epidermis and large white areoles. The Quechua owners of the home called it ?k?ulala? and claimed it was only 4 years old, which we found unusual considering its many branches and 10' height. Nearby our Quechua friends Felix and his father Ernesto showed us the cactus they call ?Sitikira?, Cleistocactus buchtienii, which they burn the stems of to make ?llujta?, the favored regional alkaline additive to coca leaves. Naturally dead and dried stems are collected, ones with white rather than orangish spines are said to be superior. These are then burned and the resulting ash mixed with a little cooked potato starch and formed into cylinders to dry. A small amount of this is chewed with coca leaves to facilitate their beneficial stimulating properties. We made the rest of the journey to Cochabamba and the evening passed in a blur. We caught an early flight to La Paz and checked into our hotel. I hoped to finish my seed cleaning and have a little time to visit the intriguing stalls at the Witches Market down the street before beginning my long trip back to California in the afternoon. As usual, the seed cleaning took much more time than planned. After 4 hours of work I only had a half hour before I needed to transfer to the airport. Neil had gotten word that they were selling the still elusive Coca Colla at the La Paz bus station, so we hopped a cab in a last ditch effort to find the fabled drink. With no time to spare we visited every stall in the station, the last vendor we visited shocked us by replying ?yes? to our inquiry. He had only 2 bottles which we eagerly purchased. We dashed back to the hotel to sample the beverage in peace. It was godawful! A sugary carbonated nightmare of Coca Cola blended with the bubble-gum flavor of Peru?s Inca Cola. As for the efficacy of the whole coca leaf extract it contained, it was hard to say considering we had been chewing the whole leaves the entire trip. On this note I left Neil and Sophia to their further adventures and departed for home.... RARE PLANT & SEED LIST - Issue 30 is in the works and should be ready in the next 2 weeks. Another very large and diverse issue, don?t miss it! There?ll be new Trichocereus specimens and rarities, first chance at a plethora of new seed from our recent Andean expedition to Peru and Bolivia, new seed from South Africa, Chile, and the Himalayas! If you are not subscribed or have let your subscription lapse, we encourage you to sign up now. 4 issues for $5 or 8 issues for $8. This is where we list our offerings of rarities and specimens. GIFT CERTIFICATES - are always available! Andean Collections and Photos 2010- CD/DVD with 400+ photos from our Spring travels in Cusco, Peru including photos of the seldom visited lush Lares Valley, and Cochabamba, Bolivia where we examined the dryland cactus filled forests of the valleys, the endangered Polylepis forests of the higher mountains and the remote Incan archaeological site Inkallajta. Comes with a complete list of our seed collections with ethnobotanical notes and cultivation suggestions. Now available!! $10 postage paid, foreign orders add $2 Fresh Seed Harvest!! Fockea edulis ?Bergkambroo? Asclepiadaceae. Develops a large warty caudex/tuber up to a foot in diameter and several feet long. A mass of twining stems arise from the top of the caudex. Small unusual star like flowers. This odd plant has a long history as an important food and water source for the tribal people of South Africa and has without a doubt contributed over the ages to human survival in the Kalahari desert. The caudex is eaten fresh, baked like sweet potato and made into a chunky jam. The plant is quite easily grown and a favorite among caudiciphiles. Sow seeds just under the surface of a regular succulent soil mix. As the caudex grows, more of it can be exposed every couple years when repotted. When growing this plant for food, transplanting to 5 or 10 gallon pots after the first year and harvesting the root in the 2nd or 3rd year is suggested. Tolerant of mild frost if well mulched. 15+ seed $2.50 Sale Summer 2010 The following are on sale until the end of August or while supplies last! Seed Sale! All Chilean seed and California Native seed 20% off! All seed from our 2008 & 09 Ethnobotanical Collections 20% off - this is the last chance to get seed of many of our collections from Peru and Bolivia, some of which will never be retocked again! PLANTS Cactaceae Ariocarpus trigonus Green claw-like tubercles, yellow flowers. 2"+ plant 8+ years old $14/ Sale Price $11 Ariocarpus retusus v. furfuraceus Blue rounded tubercles, white flowers. 2"+ plant 8+ years old $14/ Sale Price $11 Pachycereus pringlei The sacred Cardon cactus. 3?4" diameter 12"+ tall plant $25*/ Sale Price $20* or 2 for $36* (*heavy shipping applies) Trichocereus sp. Luther Burbank Heirloom peruvianoid from the celebrated plant mystic. 6"+ long cutting $15/ Sale Price $12 Trichocereus sp. Torres & Torres Upright pachanoi-like plant from norhtern Chile. 6"+ cutting $14/ Sale Price $10 or 2 for $18 Trichocereus andalgalensis X Trichocereus grandiflorus v. crassicaulis Beautiful hybrid. 3"+ plant $6.50/ Sale Price $5.50 Other Succulents and Xerophytes Agave cordillerensis NL52409 Andean species from seed collected in Bolivia. 2?3" Plant $7.50/ Sale Price $6 or 2 for $10 Agave gentryi La Escondida A rosette of sculptural wonder. 2?3" plant $6.50/ Sale Price $5.50 Agave montana Beauty from the mountains of Mexico. 2?3" plant $6.50/ Sale Price $5.50 or 2 for $9 Boophane disticha Poisonous entheogenic bulb from southern Africa. Plant $6.50/ Sale Price $5.50 Commiphora africana Gum bdellium trees. 8?12"+ seedling $9.50/ Sale Price $7.50 Commiphora mollis Another aromatic myrrh relative. 8?12"+ seedling $9.50/ Sale Price $7.50 Dioscorea sylvatica Lobed caudex, heart shaped leaves. Plant with 1.5?2"+ caudex $10/ Sale Price $7.50 Ephedra equisetina Mu Zei Ma Huang. Plant $7.50 or 2 for $12.75/ Sale Price $6 or 2 for $10 Ephedra nevadensis Desert joint fir. Plant $7.50/ Sale Price $6 Ephedra viridis Mormon tea. Plant $7.50/ Sale Price $6 Puya berteroniana Pineapple relative with huge showy flowers stalks. 2"+ plant $7.50/ Sale Price $6 or 2 for $10 Puya sp. BK08521.5 From our seed collection in Peru, dark-green metallic flowers. 2"+ plant $7.50/ Sale Price $6 Edibles, Medicinals, Beneficials Betula utilis CC5763 Himilayan birch, beautiful gold peeling bark. 18?24" plant $7.50 or 2 for $13/ Sale Price $6 or 2 for $11 Bomarea sp. BK08526.8 Vining lily from our seed collection Raqchi, Peru. Plant $7.50/ Sale Price $6 Disporum cantoniense ex DJHC 729 Graceful woodland medicinal/edible from China. Plant $7.50/ Sale Price $6 Lapageria rosea Vine with large rose bells, national flower of Chile. Seedling $12/ Sale price $9.50 Pernettya furens Evergreen blueberry reltive from Chile. Plant $6.50/ Sale Price $5.50 Andean Tubers ?Oca? Oxalis tuberosa BK08516.7 Yellow flattened cylindrical tubers with slender pink eyes. Plant $14.50/ Sale Price $11 Oxalis tuberosa BK08516.8 Yellow with a pinkish blush, after exposure to light they turn a deeper pink/maroon. Plant $14.50/ Sale Price $11 Oxalis tuberosa Bauml ?Golden? Deep golden yellow tubers. Plant $14.50/ Sale Price $11 Oxalis tuberosa Bauml ?Crema de Rosa? Cream colored with a pink-red blush. Plant $14.50/ Sale Price $11 Oxalis tuberosa OAEC ?Pink? Rounded pink-red tubers. Plant $10.50/ Sale Price $7.50 Oxalis tuberosa Kapular ?Orange? Orange to salmon-red tubers. Plant $10.50/ Sale Price $7.50 ?Papa Lisa? ?Ulluco? Ullucus tuberosus BK08607.1 Round yellow tubers with pink speckles. Plant $14.50/ Sale Price $11 NEW BOOKS We?ve added over a dozen new titles. For the complete list see- http://www.sacredsucculents.com/books.html SHIPPING & HANDLING: Seeds? First class mail USA $2.00; Air mail international $4.00 Plants (USA only)? First class priority mail= $6.00 for the first plant $1.50 each additional plant. Seeds ride free when ordered with plants. Add $1 per plant if you want them sent potted. CA RESIDENTS ADD 8.25% SALES TAX We still only take Cash (USD$ or Euros), Money Orders, or Checks. You can print out an order form- http://www.sacredsucculents.com/orderform.pdf and mail it with payment to our Po Box SACRED SUCCULENTS PO Box 781, Sebastopol, CA 95473 USA Email: sacredsucculents at hushmail.com http://www.sacredsucculents.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From benkamm at monitor.net Wed Aug 25 16:15:05 2010 From: benkamm at monitor.net (benkamm at monitor.net) Date: Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:15:05 -0700 Subject: [Sacred Succulents] sale ending + new offerings Message-ID: (do not ?reply? to this email, send all correspondence to - sacredsucculents at hushmail.com ) 8/25/10 Greetings to all, We?re having a brief respite from the Summer fog, the last few days of heat are helping the tomatoes to color and lots of new seed ripen. Our Summer sale ends in a week. See the list below for lots of great deals on unique beneficial plants and seeds. Attached is also a working list of new plant and seed offerings. We have more new additions than we?ve had time to write descriptions for. A completed catalog supplement should be finished and mailed in October. We will not be printing a new catalog this year, last years will be good through at least Spring 2011. RARE PLANT & SEED LIST - Issue 30 is available. Another very large and diverse issue, don?t miss it! There?s new Trichocereus specimens and rarities including crested T. bridgesii, first chance at a plethora of new seed from our recent Andean expedition to Peru and Bolivia, new seed/plants from South Africa, Chile (Gomortega keule plants), and the Himalayas! If you are not subscribed or have let your subscription lapse, we encourage you to sign up now. 4 issues for $5 or 8 issues for $8. This is where we list our offerings of rarities and specimens. GIFT CERTIFICATES - are always available! Andean Collections and Photos 2010- CD/DVD with 400+ photos from our Spring travels in Cusco, Peru including photos of the seldom visited lush Lares Valley, and Cochabamba, Bolivia where we examined the dryland cactus filled forests of the valleys, the endangered Polylepis forests of the higher mountains and the remote Incan archaeological site Inkallajta. Comes with a complete list of our seed collections with ethnobotanical notes and cultivation suggestions. Now available!! $10 postage paid, foreign orders add $2 Sale Summer 2010 The following are on sale until the end of August or while supplies last! Seed Sale! All Chilean seed and California Native seed 20% off! All seed from our 2008 & 09 Ethnobotanical Collections 20% off - this is the last chance to get seed of many of our collections from Peru and Bolivia, some of which will never be retocked again! PLANTS Cactaceae Ariocarpus trigonus Green claw-like tubercles, yellow flowers. 2"+ plant 8+ years old $14/ Sale Price $11 Ariocarpus retusus v. furfuraceus Blue rounded tubercles, white flowers. 2"+ plant 8+ years old $14/ Sale Price $11 Pachycereus pringlei The sacred Cardon cactus. 3?4" diameter 12"+ tall plant $25*/ Sale Price $20* or 2 for $36* (*heavy shipping applies) Trichocereus sp. Luther Burbank Heirloom peruvianoid from the celebrated plant mystic. 6"+ long cutting $15/ Sale Price $12 Trichocereus sp. Torres & Torres Upright pachanoi-like plant from norhtern Chile. 6"+ cutting $14/ Sale Price $10 or 2 for $18 Trichocereus andalgalensis X Trichocereus grandiflorus v. crassicaulis Beautiful hybrid. 3"+ plant $6.50/ Sale Price $5.50 Other Succulents and Xerophytes Agave cordillerensis NL52409 Andean species from seed collected in Bolivia. 2?3" Plant $7.50/ Sale Price $6 or 2 for $10 Agave gentryi La Escondida A rosette of sculptural wonder. 2?3" plant $6.50/ Sale Price $5.50 Agave montana Beauty from the mountains of Mexico. 2?3" plant $6.50/ Sale Price $5.50 or 2 for $9 Boophane disticha Poisonous entheogenic bulb from southern Africa. Plant $6.50/ Sale Price $5.50 Commiphora africana Gum bdellium trees. 8?12"+ seedling $9.50/ Sale Price $7.50 Commiphora mollis Another aromatic myrrh relative. 8?12"+ seedling $9.50/ Sale Price $7.50 Dioscorea sylvatica Lobed caudex, heart shaped leaves. Plant with 1.5?2"+ caudex $10/ Sale Price $7.50 Ephedra equisetina Mu Zei Ma Huang. Plant $7.50 or 2 for $12.75/ Sale Price $6 or 2 for $10 Ephedra nevadensis Desert joint fir. Plant $7.50/ Sale Price $6 Ephedra viridis Mormon tea. Plant $7.50/ Sale Price $6 Puya berteroniana Pineapple relative with huge showy flowers stalks. 2"+ plant $7.50/ Sale Price $6 or 2 for $10 Puya sp. BK08521.5 From our seed collection in Peru, dark-green metallic flowers. 2"+ plant $7.50/ Sale Price $6 Edibles, Medicinals, Beneficials Betula utilis CC5763 Himilayan birch, beautiful gold peeling bark. 18?24" plant $7.50 or 2 for $13/ Sale Price $6 or 2 for $11 Bomarea sp. BK08526.8 Vining lily from our seed collection Raqchi, Peru. Plant $7.50/ Sale Price $6 Disporum cantoniense ex DJHC 729 Graceful woodland medicinal/edible from China. Plant $7.50/ Sale Price $6 Lapageria rosea Vine with large rose bells, national flower of Chile. Seedling $12/ Sale price $9.50 Pernettya furens Evergreen blueberry reltive from Chile. Plant $6.50/ Sale Price $5.50 Andean Tubers ?Oca? Oxalis tuberosa BK08516.7 Yellow flattened cylindrical tubers with slender pink eyes. Plant $14.50/ Sale Price $11 Oxalis tuberosa BK08516.8 Yellow with a pinkish blush, after exposure to light they turn a deeper pink/maroon. Plant $14.50/ Sale Price $11 Oxalis tuberosa Bauml ?Golden? Deep golden yellow tubers. Plant $14.50/ Sale Price $11 Oxalis tuberosa Bauml ?Crema de Rosa? Cream colored with a pink-red blush. Plant $14.50/ Sale Price $11 Oxalis tuberosa OAEC ?Pink? Rounded pink-red tubers. Plant $10.50/ Sale Price $7.50 Oxalis tuberosa Kapular ?Orange? Orange to salmon-red tubers. Plant $10.50/ Sale Price $7.50 ?Papa Lisa? ?Ulluco? Ullucus tuberosus BK08607.1 Round yellow tubers with pink speckles. Plant $14.50/ Sale Price $11 New Offerings Late Summer 2010 Succulents & Cacti (See also Chilean, South African, and Andean offerings) Agave difformis ?Xixi? Agavaceae. Freely clustering rosettes to about 2' with slender polymorphic yellow-green leaves, varying from straight to hypnotically wavy, toothed to unarmed, sometimes with a silver central stripe. Flower stalk to 10' bearing yellowish to pink flowers. Native to the limestone soils of the Sierra Madre Oriental, 5?6,000', Mexico. Seed collected from El Tephe, Hidalgo. The macerated fiber was reportedly used as soap. An attractive unusual smaller species. Z8b 2" seedling $6.50 or 2 for $11 Avonia quinaria ssp. alstonii Portulacaceae. Flat caudex to 6" wide with small snaky stems covered in miniature silver scales arising from the top. Purple flowers bloom late afternoon. Native to southern Africa. This bizarre and hopelessly cool plant is a traditional bushman yeast source for making mead with a ?kick?. Well drained soil and a dry Winter rest are needed to keep this oddity growing. Z10a. Seed packet $3 1" plant 4 years old $10 (limited) Commiphora schimperi ?Seroka? ?Osilalei? ?Myrrh? Burseraceae. Deciduous bush to small tree. Green bark that peels in yellow flakes. Densely arranged clusters of small trifoliate leaves adorn the spined branches. Small red flowers. Aromatic sap sometimes considered to be one of the official sources for Myrrh resin. Native to dry areas of east Africa, from north to south. Elephant food. This species is used by the Maasai in antimalaria preparations, and the young roots eaten for their sweet flavor. Sticks are considered excellent firestarters. Z10a. 5 seed $4 / Rooted cutting $7.50 Ephedra ?fedtschenkoana? Ephedraceae. A dwarf rhizomatic species. Fleshy bright red fruit. Ex Holubec collection from granite crevices in the high mountains of Talasskii Ala Tau, Kyrgyzstan. One of the poorly understood ephedrine-rich Asian alpine species, the correct species name is likely fedtschenkoae. Plants from this seed stock have been larger and more vigorous than the teeny plants we have growing from other locales. Z5a Plant $8.50 Phytolacca dioica ?Ombu? Phytolaccaceae. Amazing dioecious evergreen tree to 60' related to the pokeweed. Thick succulent trunk, resembling an elephants leg. With age the butresses can form a gigantic caudex. Large spirally arranged leaves, pendant racemes of white flowers followed by red-black fruits. Native to the pampas of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil. Poisonous, it is used as an emetic. One of the finest specimens in the USA of this fantastical tree can be seen at the Huntington Gardens in southern California. Fast growing. Protect from cold when young, mature plants are drought tolerant. Z9a?b. Seedling $8.50 or 2 for $13 Sinningia sellovi Gesneriaceae. Perennial caudex to 6" across from which arise dark-green leaves with stiff fuzzy hairs. 3' arching spikes bearing numerous pendant orange to pink flowers that drive hummingbirds wild. Native to Argentina and Brazil. Does best in with good drainage and a bright sunny spot. An excellent container plant. Dies back to the tuber after hard frost. Surface sow the tiny seed. Z7b. Seed packet $3 Trichocereus pachanoi Hutchinson et al. 6212 (same as BBG 64.0762) Cactaceae. Upright stems to at least 8'+ tall and 6" in diameter. 5?9 fat ribs and miniature spines. Sweet night blooming white flowers. A really gorgeous wild San Pedro that we purchased from the Berkeley Gardens years ago, their mother plant has since died. Originally collected above 8,000' by P. Hutchinson, J.K. Wright & R.M. Straw in the Canyon Rio Maranon above Chagual, just below Aricapampa, Huamachuco Prov., La Libertad Dept., Peru. 5?6"+ cutting $16 (limited) Trichocereus tulhuayacensis KK337 (B13) An upright peruvianoid from Huachac, Peru. A cutting was given to us by a friend who had gotten a small piece from Knize in Lima, Peru for $100! It was said to have red flowers, which seemed unlikely. We were pleasantly surprised when the plant finally flowered in 2008, with a bizarre red, pink, and white mottled blossom. This is our very first offering of this unusual variety. Get one while you can. 5?6" cuttings $28 (limited) Edibles, Medicinals & Other Plants of Interest... Acacia colei Fabaceae. Fast growing Nitrogen-fixing tree to 15?30'. Simple leaves and yellow flowers. Northern Australia. A traditional Aborigine bush-food, the seeds being high in protein. Being grown in parts of Africa as a drought resitant foodcrop, for firewood, and reforesting. Scarify and soak seeds. Has great edible landscape potential, especially in arid regions. Z9b. Seed packet $2.50 Acer campbelli CC6134 ?Phirphire? Aceraceae. An elegant maple to 15?40'. Green bark, 5?7 lobed deep-green leaves, new foliage is a bronzy red, in the Fall yellow to bright red. White-pink flowers and winged fruit. Chadwell seed collection from 10,000', Annapurna, Nepal. Traditionally coppiced for fodder. A lovely and easy landscape tree, sun to part shade. Z7a. Seedling $5.75 or 2 for $10 Androstephium caeruleum ?Blue Funnel Lily? ?Spring Stars? Liliaceae. Perennial growing from round corms. Grass like leaves to 7", beautiful pale blue to purple or white flowers with a faint fruity scent. A rarity native to the black soil short grass praries of Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. The corms are edible and were once eaten by tribes within their range. Our collector had to risk chiggers and rattlesnakes just to collect the seed. The plant is increasingly rare in habitat as the prarie is convertd by man?s insatiable need for strip malls and track housing. Slow from seed, this is a native food that demands and deserves our dedicated patience. Drought hardy. Seed may need cold stratification. Z8a and below. Seed packet $3 Canna edulis ?Achira? Cannaceae. Ginger-like perennial monocot to 6'. Large attractive foliage and bright red lily-like flowers. Edible rhizomes. Found as a cultivar throughout the Andes of South America. Considered one of the ?lost? crops of the Incas. The rhizomes are extremely rich in starch and have been eaten since antiquity. Young shoots and immature seeds are also considered edible. Tolerant of diverse conditions, but does best in moist soil. Often planted as an edible wind break. Knick and soak seed for fast germination. Z9a if mulched. 10 seed $4 / Seedling $9.50 Capparis spinosa ?Caper Bush? 3?5' sprawling shrub with spines and round leaves. Showy white flowers with long purple stamens. 1" oval fruit. Cultivated throughout the Mediterranean where the immature flower buds are pickled to make ?capers?, a popular food the world over. The young shoots are also eaten and the fruit is pickled in the Middle East. Prefers a warm sunny spot. Seed slow to sprout, 1?2+ months, GA3 may help. Z5?6. Seed packet $3 Codonopsis bulleyana Campanulaceae. Upright herbaceous perennial to 12". Pleasantly pubescent stems and leaves. Pale-blue tubular flowers that are constricted in the center and flare at the ends. Carrot like edible sweet root. Native to the mountains of Asia. The plant has a skunky cannabis-like smell. Used in traditional medicine like other species with ginseng like properties. Part shade, moist rich soil. Z4a Plant $7.50 or 2 for $12.50 Codonopsis cardiophylla Gentle vine with soft heart-like leaves. Bell shaped flowers ghostly blue in color. Fleshy edible/medicinal roots. Native to the mountains of China. Z4b Plant $6.50 or 2 for $11 (limited) Codonopsis clematidea Holubec A delicate twining perennial to 3?4'. Fuzzy blue-green leaves. Large bell-shaped flowers of pale-blue with veins of purple and banded maroon inside. Seed collected by Holubec in Mortravn, Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan, 6300'. The aerial parts of the plant are used in the folk medicine of the region to treat jaundice, hepatitis and other liver conditions. Analysis has revealed a new codonopsine alkaloid along with 13 beneficial compounds found in other species. The thick roots are edible like other species. Prefers a well aerated rich soil, regular moisture, part shade and something to climb on. Dies back to the root in late Summer. Z4b Plant $8.50 or 2 for $13.50 Codonopsis meleagris Upright species to about 12"+. The round bell shaped flowers are a porcelian-blue color with dark-purple to chocolate markings. Fleshy roots edible and medicinals like other species. Another choice rarity form China. Z4b Plant $6.50 or 2 for $11 Cyclanthera pedata ?Caigua? Cucurbitaceae. Tendrilled annual vine with palmate leaves and peculiar inflated green fruit, often lightly prickled. A popular food in South America, another ?lost? Incan crop. The hollow fruit is cooked and eaten, usually stuffed with vegetables and meat or added to soups. The flesh is also an important medicinal, being a strong antiinflammatory and flushing cholesterol from the body. The whole plant is considered a brain tonic. Deserves much wider cultivation. Grow like cucumber. 10 seed $3.50 Dioscorea caucasica Dioscoreaceae. From an underground caudex arise twining vines to 10' with prominently veined heart shape leaves. A rare endemic of the forests of the western Caucasus Mountains where Holubec collected this seed. Medicinal. Easily grown, dormant in Winter. Z5?6. Plant $8.50 (limited) Gaultheria miqueliana ?Japanese wintergreen? Ericaceae. Spreading groundcover 6?10" tall. Deep veined oval leaves, dark green with reddish hues. White bell flowers and pea size porcelian white berries make a striking contrast to the leaves. Native to Japan. The delicious berries have the strongest wintergreen flavor of any Gaultheria we?ve tried, truly amazing! An ideal edible groundcover for part to full shade. Well drained acid soil. Z6a Seed packet $3.25 Gentiana sp. CC5932 Gentianaceae. Rosettes of smooth blue-green leaves. Flowers not yet seen, likely blue. A Chadwell collection from the mountains of Tibet at over 13,000'. Unlike some Alpine gentians this one has been easy to grow in well drained gravelly soil. Z5a? Plant 2?3 years old $7.50 Papaver sp. ?Afghani White Seed? Papaveraceae. Very rare medicinal heirloom variety with white seed from Afghanistan. Flowers vary from white to pink to red, with pink, red or purple blotches at the base of the petals. Seed pods tend to be more cylindrical than round. Sow late Autumn through early Spring. Seed packet $4.50 Psoralea hypogaea (=Pediomelum hypogaeum) ?Little indian breadroot? Fabaceae. Short perennial to 3" with palmately compound leaves and clusters of small clover-like purple flowers, said to have a lemony scent. Endemic to the black soil praries of Texas. The 3" tuberous roots are highly edible being a good protein source. Drought hardy and nitrogen fixing, this little-known native food deserves a place in our gardens. Scarify and soak seeds for best germination. Z5? Seed packet $3 Phytolacca insularis Phytollacaceae. Bush to 10' with simple leaves, red stems, pinkish flowers and black berries. An endangered and rare Korean endemic poke, conservation through propagation is encouraged. The leaves have anti-viral compounds. Part shade and rich soil. Z6? Plant $7.50 (limited) Prunus japonica ?Bush cherry? Rosaceae. Multibranched shrub to 8'. White-pink flowers festoon the plant in Spring followed by small tart red cherries, good for fresh eating. A rare Asian species. Produces abundant crops and is resistant to many diseases that afflict common cherries. Prefers full sun. It can fruit in its 2nd or 3rd year from seed. Plant 2 or more to get fruit. Z4a 5 seed $2.50 Przewalskia tangutica ?Ma Niao Pao? Solancaeae. Low growing perennial with rosettes of blue-green leaves and thickened rootsock. Greenish funnelform flowers, unusual inflated calyces hold a round seed pod. Rare endemic of the cold and dry plateau of the Sino-Himalaya, up to 16,500'. Somewhat resembles a small Mandrake plant and is rich in psychoactive alkaloids. Used in traditional medicine as a anticonvulsent and analgesic. Seed collected at over 14,000', Huashixia, Quinghai, China. Should make an attractive rock garden specimen and needs a gritty mineral rich soil. Good germination with GA3/ cold stratification. Z3?4 5 seed $4 Salvia przewalskii Pavelka ?Dan Shen? Labiatae. Herbaceous sage to 12"+. Large pubescent leaves, deep purple flowers. From seed collected by Pavelka at 11,200' in the Zhongdian Mountains, Yunnan, China. Used traditionally the same as S. miltiorrhiza, to stimulant circulation, as a liver protective and sedative. Easy, prefers sun and regular garden soil. Dies back to the roots in Winter. Z7a Plant $5.75 or 2 for $10 Silybum eburneum ?Silver milkthistle? Asteraceae. Annual thistle to 4'+. Spiny green leaves and large deep-violet flowers attract all manner of beneficial insects. A little known milkthistle with a limited distribution around the Mediterranean. There is reason to believe that it may be a better source of the powerful liver protective silymarin than the common milkthistle; S. marianum. All parts of the plant are edible, the roots can be eaten raw, boiled or roasted. The seeds can be ground or germinated for sprouts. Young Spring shoots can be cooked, the leaves can be trimmed of spines and steamed like spinach or added raw to salads. The stems can be peeled, soaked overnight to remove bitterness and then cooked. The flower heads can even be prepared like artichokes. Easy to grow, potentially weedy. Z6?7? Seed packet $2.75 Sophora flavescens ?Ku Shen? Fabaceae. Sub-shrub to 3?5'. Cylindrical panicles of creamy yellow flowers. Dies back to the roots in cold climates. Native to eastern Asia. The roots are used in Chinese Medicine to clear heat and studies have shown it to releive chronic itching and stimulate hair growth. An attractive nitrogen-fixer for the medicinal landscape. Plant them near the base of fruit trees. Knick and soak seed. Z4a. Seed packet $3 Ugni myricoides Myrtaceae. Evergreen shrub 5?8'. Pendant white-pink bell flowers transform into 1/3?1/2" dark rose berries. A huckleberry-like cloud forest plant from Chiapas, Mexico south in scattered regions of South America. Confusingly sometimes called Chilean black guava, though it?s neither a guava nor Chilean like its close kin U. molinae. The berries are sweet and edible, but have a stronger flavor than U. molinae. Hybridizing the two might lead to interesting progeny. More tolerant of tropical conditions than the temperate U. molinae. Part shade, moist rich soil. Z9a?b Plant 1+ year old $6.50 Vaccinium gaultheriifolium Ericaceae. Evergreen shrub with arching branches, 6?12 tall. Large elliptical leaves, clusters of white to pink bell flowers adorn the branch tips followed by pea-sized edible berries. Native to the mountain forests of the eastern Himalayas, up to 9000'. An elegant and rarely cultivated blueberry. Dappled sun and well drained rich soil. Cold stratify seed. Z7a. Seed packet $3.25 Valeriana jatamansi (= V. wallichii) ?Indain valerian? ?Mushkbala? Valerianaceae. A delightful low growing plant with basal rosettes of soft heart shaped leaves and a 12" flower stalk with small white flowers. Native to the temperate forests of the western Himalayas into the mountains of Afghanistan up to 10,000'. The plant has a sweet aroma and is a source of the legendary spikenard oil. The rhizomes are rich in valepotriates, reported to be effective for leprosy. It also has sedative actions like other valerian species. Does best in part shade and moist soil. Z7b Plant $8.50 RARE & BENEFICIAL PLANTS OF CHILE Austrocedrus chilensis ?Lawan? ?Cedro? ?Cipres de la Cordillera? Cupressaceae. Conical shaped coniferous tree to 30?70'. Forms small forests in dry, rocky areas of central Andean Chile and Argentina. Reported to live over 1,500 years. A highly vulnerable species that has been over exploited for its decay resistant strong wood. Wild populations are also dying off due to pathogens, as are many tree species worldwide. Should be widely used for reforestation. Seed needs cold stratification. Z7?8a Seed packet $3 Cajophora coronata ?Kuri? ?Ortiguilla? Loasaceae. Weird plant to 12"+ with lacinate leaves covered in stinging hairs like nettles. Unusual white lantern-like flowers to 3" across. Endemic to the high mountains of central northern Chile, above 9,000'. Has medicinal uses similar to nettle. Z6b?7a Seed packet $3 Colletia ulicina ?Kunko rojo? ?Wayun? Rhamnaceae. Very unusual and amazingly cool shrub to 10' tall. Nearly leafless branches covered in many small, multibranched, photosynthetic green spines. Tubular red flowers are borne in mass along the branch ends. Endemic to central Chile. Arguably the most interesting and showy species of this South American genus. Can be planted as a living fence. Drought hardy. Seed may do better with cold treatment, though some germination warm. Z8a 10 seed $3.75 Desfontainia spinosa ?Taique? ?Borrachero? Desfontainiaceae. Highly ornamental evergreen shrub. Holly like leaves and 1" tubular red flowers with yellow tips followed purplish yellow-green fruits. Grows in a limited range from the Columbian Andes south to Chile. Generally considered a monotypic species with a family all its own. We first encountered this beautiful plant in 1996 in Cusco Dept., Peru between the ruins of Sayacmarca and Runkurakay, at 12,500'. Used throughout its range as an ethnomedicinal inebrient, possibly as a delirient entheogen. The chemistry is unknown. Easy to grow, in full sun it stays a bush, to 6', in part shade it can reach 15' or more. Well drained rich acid soil. Drought tolerant once established, but prefers ample water. Rare in cultivation. We offer a Chilean clone. Z8b 6"+ plant $14.50 or 2 for $25 Empetrum rubrum ?Mulweng? ?Brecillo? Ericaceae. Evergreen groundcover to 12" tall. Small dense leaves. Reddish flowers followed by bright-red edible berries. A native of mid to high elevations, central and southern Chile. The sweet berries are used by the Mapuche for brewing chicha. More tolerant of dry conditions than the widespread E. nigrum. A fantastic and ornamental addition to the edible landscape. Seed needs 60+ days cold to sprout. Z5?6 Seed packet $3.25 Escallonia virgata ?Meki? Saxifragaceae. Handsome shrub or tree to 20'. Smallish densely arranged shiny leaves, white flowers. Native to central and southern Chile and Argentina where it is often found in association with Nothofagus forests. Escallonia are important members of the Andean forests and should be more widely planted. Sun and drought hardy. Surface sow seed. Z8a Seed packet $3.25 Fabiana viscosa Solanaceae. Shrub to 3' with small sticky cylindrical leaves. Tubular yellow flowers cover the plant. Occurs up to 6,500' in Region 3 & 4, Chile. Another beautiful and bizarre erica-like tobacco relative. Medicinal, aromatic, and possibly psychoactive. Drought hardy. Z9a Plant $9.50 or 2 for $16 Margyricarpus pinnata ?Hierba de la Perlilla? Rosaceae. Evergreen groundcover 6?12" high. Densely clustered pointy leaves. Small white flowers and edible pearl-white berries. Native to the mid and lower elevations of central Chile. This has proved a charming drought hardy edible groundcover for us. Cold stratify seed. Z8a Seed packet $3.25 Pernettya pumila ?Chuara? Ericaceae. Evergreen subshrub, 2?3' tall. Small shiny leaves, white bell flowers blushed pink. White to red edible berries, sweet with a slight vanilla hint. Low to high elevations, south-central Chile. Sun to part shade, drought tolerant once established. Prefers slightly acid soil. Z6b Seed packet $3 Peumus boldus ?Boldo? Monimiaceae. A monotypic genus. Attractive evergeen tree 20?50'. Aromatic leaves. Scented white flowers, tasty edible green fruit. Endemic to the sclerophyllous forests of central Chile. The camphor scented leaves are used in cooking and as a tea for digestion, liver and gallbladder health. Considered something of a panacea. Chewed leaves found at the Monte Verde site in Chile (dated around 13,000 years ago) show the extreme antiquity of its medicinal use. Drought and cold hardy to at least Z8a. Slow germination; 6+ months, give cold or try GA-3. 5 seed $3 Prumnopitys andina ?Lleuque? ?Chilean Plum Yew? Podocarpaceae. Evergreen yew-like tree, 40?60'+ tall. Form 3/4" dark purple fruits that are sweet, aromatic and tasty. Endemic to the temperate forests of the lower Andean slopes of south central Chile where it is considered highly vulnerable due to habitat loss. The fruit has long been esteemed by the Mapuche and is made into chicha and marmalade. The wood is durable and used in construction. Prefers part shade and moisture. Z8a Year old seedling (unsexed) $16 Rhaphithamnus spinosus Verbenaceae. Unusual and alluring shrub 5 to 20'. Young branches are spiny and it boasts a generous profusion of tubular lavender flowers followed by glossy purple fruits that are edible and said to be quite tasty. The foliage turns an inciting purple during Winter. Part shade to sun. Z7b Plant 1+ years old $10 or 2 for $17 Valeriana macrorhiza Valerianaceae. Rare alpine plant to 12" with thick leaves and flowers stalks with dense rounded clusters of small white flowers. Large caudiciform root. Found on exposed north facing slopes above 9,000', central Chilean Andes. Medicinal like other species. Give it a gritty soil and protect from extreme heat. Seed germinates in 2 weeks warm. Z6b 5 seed $3.50 Rare & Beneficial Plants of South Africa Artemisia afra ?Umhlonyane? ?Wildeals? ?African wormwood? Asteraceae. 2?6' perennial with feathery silver and green leaves. Small yellow flowers. South Africa to Ethiopa. One of the most important ethnomedicinal plants throughout its range. A bitter tonic used for coughs, colds, stomach ailments, fever, parasites, headache, malaria, diabetes, etc. Rich in antimicrobial, antioxidant and psychoactive oils and terpenoids. Easily grown, drought hardy. Dies back to roots in cold climates. Z7b Seed packet $2.75 Chrysanthemoides monilifera ?Bietou? Asteraceae. Shrub 6?10' tall. Fleshy leaves, yellow daisy flowers in mass. Black or red edible berry, unique for the family. Xhosa, Sotho and Zulu use the berry juice as a blood purifier and strengthener for impotence. Plant ash used in soapmaking. Cold stratify seed. Z9a 10 seed $3 Cyanella hyacinthoides ?Raapuintjie? Tecophilaceae. Slender leaves from an edible corm. Flowers stalk to 12" bearing mauve flowers. The corms are protein rich and were a staple food for South African tribes, eaten raw or roasted. A unique attractive addition to the vegetable garden. Well drained soil and sun. Give seed 30+ days cold. Z8a 10 seed $3 Diospyros ramulosa ?Koenoekam? Ebenaceae. Smallish tree to 20'+. Green flower, yellow to purplish edible fruit. This Karoo native persimmon is said to be the best of the wild fruit from the region. Branches used as firesticks. Has potential as a rare fruit crop. Sun and drought hardy. Cold stratify seed. Z7b 5 seed $3 Eriocephalus africanus ?Kapokbus? ?African rosemary? Asteraceae. 3' high shrub, rosemary-like aromatic grey foliage. White and pink flowers adorn the branch ends followed by cottony seedheads. Used as a culinary herb and traditionally to treat stomachache, heart disease and as a diuretic. Very drought tolerant, full sun and well drained soil. Z8a Seed packet $2.75 Ipomoea jaegeri Convolvulaceae. Erect semi-succulent shrub to 2'. Long narrow leaves and silver hairy shoots. White or pink morning glory flowers with dark center. Another unique shrubby morning glory new to cultivation, a must for the collector. Knick seed to sprout. Z10a 5 seed $3 Massonia depressa Hyacinthaceae. From a bulb grow 2 ground hugging rounded leaves. Shaving-brush cream colored flower with yellow stamens from the center of the plant. This bizarre geophyte is reported to be edible. Sun and sandy soil. Cold treatment for best germination. Z8a Seed packet $3 Moraea fugax (=M. edulis) ?Wituintjie? Iridaceae. Bulbous plant with slender leaves and branched inflorescence 6?20" high. Sweetly scented blue and yellow flowers. The edible bulb was once a very important food for bushman and early settlers. Roasted or boiled in milk, it is said to be quite delicious. Worth trialing as a unique garden crop. Sun and a dry Summer rest. Cold stratify seed. Z8a Seed packet $3 Nymania capensis ?Klapperbos? Meliaceae. Upright shrub to 14' tall. Leathery linear leaves. Pink to red flowers followed by white to pink-red inflated fruits with a silky sheen, like a Chinese lantern. This unusual neem relative is native to the Little Karoo. The Nama roasted and powdered the root to make a highly effective ointment for wound healing. Root tea was used for stomach disorders and the crushed aromatic leaves inhaled for headache. It has been shown to have insecticidal and antifeedant properties like neem and it could be a good alternative for colder or dryer areas. Seed may do better with cold treatment. Z8a Seed packet $3 Pappea capensis ?Dopprium? ?Jacket plum? Sapindaceae. 15?20'+ dioecious tree with oblong leathery leaves. Racemes of pale yellow flowers. Furry green fruit with shiny black seeds surrounded by a jelly-like red flesh, reported to be a tasty sweet sour flavor, good for preserves. The seed produces a golden yellow edible oil, excellent for soaps and shampoos and used to treat ringworm. Sun and drought hardy. Germinate warm. Z8a?b 5 seed $3 Rubus ludwigii ?Itshalo? Rosaceae. Raspbery-like shrub with glaucus stems and hooked prickles. Dark green leaves with white undersides. Pink flowers and purple fruits. In addition to the edible berries, the Zulu used the root for stomach ache. Could be useful for raspberry breeding. Potentially weedy. Cold stratify seed. Z8a Seed packet $3 Tarchonanthus camphoratus ?Mofalana? Asteraceae. Tree to 30'. Camphor scented green leaves with pale velvety undersides. Dense panicles of creamy flowers at the branch ends ripen to wooly seedheads. Leaf tea is used for cough, fresh leaves chewed for toothache. The leaves were reported to be smoked by the Khoi and San, said to be mildly ?narcotic?. Zulu women once perfumed their hair with the leaves. Good soil stabilizer, insect repellent and survives fire. Possibly weedy in disturbed areas. Germinates in 8 weeks, faster with smoke treatment. Z9a Seed packet $3 Xylotheca kraussiana ?Isichobane? Flacourtaceae. Multi-stemmed shrub or tree to 25'. Soft dark-green leaves. Large white flowers exude a lusciously sweet scent. Woody fruits split to reveal reddish black seeds covered by a sweet edible red aril. Larval food for several butterflies. The Zulu made ?love charm emetics? from the roots, though it is hard to imagine what exactly that is. Easy, showy and drought hardy. Keep seed warm to sprout in 2?4 weeks. Z8a?b 5 seed $2.75 Andean Ethnobotanical Collection 2008 & 2009 Agave cordillerensis BK09511.1 ?Llacay Blanco? Agavaceae. Clusters of rosettes to 6?8'+. Leaves grey-blue with toothed margins. Flower stalks to 20'+ with curved or somtimes looped branches, yellow flowers. For decades botanists have dismissed this Andean agave as A. americana, Guillermo Pino recently redescribed it as its own species based on its stouter leaves and its radically different flower stalks. A beautiful, hardy and versatile species. It is widely planted as impenetrable hedgerows to fence in livestock, demarcate fields and act as firebreak. Unknown in cultivation outside the Andes. Seed collected between Caraz and Huata at above 9,000' in the foothills of the Cordillera Negra. These were the densest wild populations we have seen, literally thousands of plants, their slender twisted flowers stalks taking on the appearance of an otherworldly forest. 2" seedling $7.50 or 2 for $13 (limited) Coriaria ruscifolia v. microphylla? BK09430.4 ?Mio-mio? Coriaraceae. Small leafy shrub to about 2'. Arching leaves made up of may small leaflets. Drupes of tiny purple-black berries, like a string of jewels. The plant and seeds are more diminutive than what we collected in 2008 at Lares, may be closer to the original C. microphylla. Nitrogen fixing plants, often considered poisonous. The berries are used to induce the feeling of flying in Ecuador. Source of a purple dye. Collected at 8,800', Cusco Dept. Z9b Plant $15 or 2 for $26 Ephedra aff. rupestris BK09511.2 Dwarf species with individual stems 1?6" tall, tasty red berries. Forms dense mounds to 1?2' across. Distinctly different than the high altitude miniature species we collected in 2008 in the Cusco region. Open puna grassland and rock outcrops, growing with Oroya borchersii, Matucana spp. and Austrocylindropuntia floccosa. 13,200', Cordillera Negra, Ancash Dept., Peru. Perfectly adaptable to low elevation cultivation, though it does not grow as compact. One of our favorites. Z5?6? Plant $14 or 2 for $25 Lycianthes lycioides BK08518.4 ?Tancar? Solanaceae. Spined shrub to 8'. Simple leaves. Circular potato-like flowers that vary from white to pale violet. Round 1" bright-orange berries. Resembles a very showy compact goji berry. We?ve observed local children eating the fruit. Growing on the mountainside near the Pisac tombs, Cusco Dept., Peru. This plant has great potential as an ornamental and possibly edible. Z9a?b Plants $7.50 (limited) Nicotiana thrysiflora BK09508.1 ?Tutuma? Solanaceae. Round leaved annual to 3?6' with yellow-green flowers. Sacred tobacco closely allied with Nicotiana rustica. Heated leaves are used for rheumatism. From our collection at the edge of cultivated fields just north of the town of Chavin, Ancash Dept., Peru, 10,000'. Z9b Seed packet $4 Peperomia dolabriformis v. multicaulis Pino 1909 ?Congona? Piperaceae. Beautiful upright heavily branching succulent species 1?2' tall. Thick handsome leaves, pleasantly aromatic when crushed. Yellow flower spikes. Seed collected by Guillermo Pino in Cajamarca Dept., San Marcos Prov., District Eduardo Villanueva, Peru. Road from San Marcos to Cajabamba, near La Grama, 7100'. Growing with Sedum, Peperomia cymbifolia, Lasiocereus rupicola, Matucana intertexta, Thrixanthocereus cullmannianus, Weberbaurocereus longicornus, Puya sp. Used as a topical painkiller and antiinflammatory. 1"+ seedling $10 (limited) Pernettya prostrata BK08601.5 Ericaceae. Small evergreen huckleberry-like shrub to 12". White bell flowers and small black edible berries. Growing on sandstone outcrops, Isla del Sol, Bolivia, 12,500'. We originally listed this erroneously as a Vaccinium. Acidic soil, should handle dry conditions. Z8a Plant $9.50 (limited) Pernettya sp. BK08524.6 ?Concapas? Evergreen shrub to 2.5'. Small white bell flowers and an abundance of pink to cream colored berries, up to 1/2" diameter. 1km past Huacahuasi, around 12,300'. The berries are sweet and the local name means ?to forget?, because it is said you forget everything else while you are hunched over the bush munching the fruit. The name may also allude to some mild inebriating property as other species are reported to cause delirium if eaten in excess. Similar species are known as ?pushkay? in northern Peru. A very attractive shrub, prefers slightly acidic soil, should handle drought once established. Should be hardy to Z8a and below. Plant $12.50 (limited) Puya ferruginea? BK08519.7 Bromeliaceae. Silver to green rosettes up to 4' diameter. Flower stalks to 6?8' tall with loose panicles of deep blue-green flowers. Beautiful large multiheaded specimens. Growing all over the arid slopes around the main ruins of Pisac, Peru, 11,000'. Z8?9a? 2"+ Plant $7.50 or 2 for $13 Puya sp. BK08517.6 Small grey-green rosettes to 10?12". Flower stalks to 24". Flowers unseen. Growing on the rock outcrops around the carved Incan caves at Chinchero, Peru, 12,400'. Puya species are used for external wound healing and magical purposes. Z8a?b 2"+ Plant $7.50 Siphocampylus tupaeformis BK09428.1 ?Cochaya? ?Pishqu Shoqunan? Campanulaceae. Herbaceous plant 3?5' tall. Tubular orange and red flowers on a large inflorescence. Very showy and a great hummingbird plant. Near Puno, Peru the latex of the plant is reported to be chewed like gum. In northern Peru it is considered a companion to the San Pedro cactus and is planted around homes for protection and acts as a kind of gaurdian. Growing trailside on the ascent to Pumamarca, Cusco Dept., Peru, 11,000'. Z8b Plant $12.50 (limited) Stipa ichu BK08520.2 ?Ichu? Poaceae. A lovely perennial bunch grass to 18" tall. Collected at 13,000' above the town of Taucca, Cusco Dept., Peru. Growing with Nasella grass and acting as nurse plant for Austrocylindropuntia floccosa cacti. The famous ?ichu? grass of the high Andes. Used for thatching roofs, making ropes, etc. No collection of Andean plants is complete without this species. Easy to grow, would make handsome addition to any landscape. Z5a? Seed packet $3.50 California Natives Allium falcifolium >From the bulb grows 2 or more annual falcate leaves that stay close to the ground. Short flower stalk to 2" with umbels of starry bright-purple flowers. Native to scattered serpentine outcrops from northern California to Oregon. A unique and very beautiful onion for the rock garden. Blooming size bulbs. Cold stratify seed. Z7a Seed packet $3.25 (BK10808.3) Plant/bulb 3?4 years old $6.50 Brodiaea stellaris Bulbs are available for planting through December. See main catalog for full description. 3 bulbs $5.50 (counts as a seed packet for shipping) Erythronium californicum ?Trout lily? ?Fawn Lily? Liliaceae. Bulb that produces 2 oval leaves, green with darker mottling. Erect flower raceme to 8"+ bearing several drooping white flowers with recurved petals. A lovely spring ephemeral endemic to the forests of northern California. The tooth-shaped bulbs were once a valued food. Seed from Mendocino County. Dappled shade, dry Summer rest. Cold stratify seed 30+ days. Z7a Seed packet $3 Gaultheria shallon ?Salal? Ericaceae. Evergreen spreading shrub 2?6' tall. Simple glossy green leaves arranged alternately on the hairy stems. Large clusters of white to pink urn shaped flowers. Dark blue to purple edible berries. Grows throughout the Pacific Northwest. The berries are an important food for many animals and were valued by many tribes. The leaves were used for wound healing and as a tea for cough and stomach health. Part sun to shade, acid soil, fairly drought hardy once well established. Z6a Seed packet $2.50 Triteleia laxa Bulbs are available for planting through December. See main catalog for full description. 3 bulbs $5.50 (counts as a seed packet for shipping) Vaccinium parvifolium ?Red huckleberry? Ericaceae. Erect shrub 3?10'+ high. Angled stems and small oval leaves. Rounded pink-white flowers and shiny red edible berries, sweet-tart. Pacific Northwest native. Seed from Mendocino County. Can take shade but fruits prolifically with more sun. Cold stratify. Z6a Seed packet $2.50 Fresh Seed Harvest!! Fockea edulis ?Bergkambroo? Asclepiadaceae. Develops a large warty caudex/tuber up to a foot in diameter and several feet long. A mass of twining stems arise from the top of the caudex. Small unusual star like flowers. This odd plant has a long history as an important food and water source for the tribal people of South Africa and has without a doubt contributed over the ages to human survival in the Kalahari desert. The caudex is eaten fresh, baked like sweet potato and made into a chunky jam. The plant is quite easily grown and a favorite among caudiciphiles. Sow seeds just under the surface of a regular succulent soil mix. As the caudex grows, more of it can be exposed every couple years when repotted. When growing this plant for food, transplanting to 5 or 10 gallon pots after the first year and harvesting the root in the 2nd or 3rd year is suggested. Tolerant of mild frost if well mulched. 15+ seed $2.50 NEW BOOKS We?ve added over a dozen new titles. For the complete list see- http://www.sacredsucculents.com/books.html SHIPPING & HANDLING: Seeds? First class mail USA $2.00; Air mail international $4.00 Plants (USA only)? First class priority mail= $6.00 for the first plant $1.50 each additional plant. Seeds ride free when ordered with plants. Add $1 per plant if you want them sent potted. CA RESIDENTS ADD 8.25% SALES TAX We still only take Cash (USD$ or Euros), Money Orders, or Checks. You can print out an order form- http://www.sacredsucculents.com/orderform.pdf and mail it with payment to our Po Box SACRED SUCCULENTS PO Box 781, Sebastopol, CA 95473 USA Email: sacredsucculents at hushmail.com http://www.sacredsucculents.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: SS new 8 10.pdf Type: application/octet-stream Size: 239902 bytes Desc: not available URL: