[Sacred Succulents] Sacred Succulents updates #1
benkamm at monitor.net
benkamm at monitor.net
Mon Dec 1 09:54:05 PST 2008
Please respond to: sacredsucculents at hushmail.com
Hello friends,
Here?s the first Sacred Succulents email newsletter. We hope to get one of
these sent out every 4-6 weeks to keep you updated as new seed is
harvested and plants propagated.
Autumn here in northern California has been unusually mild and dry. It?s
been fantastic for working in the garden, but we?re beginning to get
nostalgic for the rain and repeated frosts that typically dictate our Fall
experience. We were graced with an amazing display of Ariocarpus flowers
this year, we had hundreds blooming September through the first half of
this month, which allowed us to make many interesting crosses. Look for
hybrid seed next Summer.
A diverse and fascinating array of new plants and seeds this email along
with some sale items. For all of you Trichophiles, we just finished
harvesting and cleaning seed of a selection of new Trichocereus crosses.
We are beginning to plan another expedition to the Andes next Spring.
There may be an opportunity for a few of you to join up with us to study
and explore in Peru. We?ll be sending out a more detailed email in the
next few days.
Ben will be contributing to a course on integrating medicinal & beneficial
plants in permaculture and agroforestry systems, North Kohala, Big Island
of Hawaii, January 17-21, 2009.
He?ll be joined by colleaugues: Jerry Black; ethnobotanist, founder of
Amazon Therapeutics Laboratories and the Oregon Exotics Nursery. Tom
Baldwin & Shannon Casey; horticulturalists and land stewards of Ulewehi
Farm. Neil Logan; ethnobotanist, agroforestry systems designer and recent
traveling companion in South America. Others TBA.
$450 includes fresh organic meals and on site camping ($375 early
registration by December 1st!)
Registration payment can be sent to Shannon Casey POB 910, Kapa?au, HI
96755 or email talkstory@ uluwehifarm.com
See attached PDF flyer at the bottom of this email.
Thanks to Josh & Mara, our website is slowly evolving, we'll eventually
have photos, though don't look for shopping carts or dancing cacti anytime
soon... http://www.sacredsucculents.com
RARE PLANT & SEED LIST - a new issue will mail out later this week. 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. A few highlights from the new
issue include - new Ariocarpus hybrids, Trichocereus chilensis hybrids,
mutant San Pedro specimens, Mammillaria with collection data, Rhodiola
plants, new seed from Eastern Russia, and some of our seed collections
from Peru & Bolivia.
GIFT CERTIFICATES - are always available!
NEW ITEMS
BOOK: THE REMARKABLE BAOBAB by Thomas Pakenham
Acclaimed historian and author of Remarkable Trees of the World, devotes
an entire volume to one of the most impressive life forms on our planet,
the fantastical Baobab tree. 8 years in the making, the author traveled
the world in search of the most striking Baobabs, this book is a
photographic and literary ode to these gargantuan trees. Covers the
ecology, mythology, religious impact, value as food, medicine, and
shelter. An informative and entertaining read, packed full of spectacular
and bizarre color photographs.
Hardcover, color photographs, 145 pages $14 (normally $20!) ? Count as 2
plants for shipping or $4 Media Mail
Andean Collection Photos and Notes 2008
CD containing 340 photos of plants, landscapes and archaeological sites
from recent expedition to Peru & Bolivia along with a list of our complete
seed collections of nearly 200 species containing ethnobotanical notes and
cultivation suggestions. $10 postage paid in the USA, foreign orders add
$2 shipping
We still have some seed available from the journey, email us for the
pricelist or check the website.
CACTACEAE
Corryocatus brevistylus ?Sancayo?
Columnar plant to 10?20' tall. 6?8 ribs and spines occasionally over 9"!
Deep yellow flowers followed by huge fruit the size of a softball. Native
to southern Peru, northern Chile. Superficially resembles Trichocereus
peruvianus. The sap of the plant was once used as a shampoo. The large
fruits are very sour and widely hailed as liver and kidney cleanser. Also
blended as a alcoholic drink. Grow like Trichocereus. Hardy below 25° F.
Seed packet $3
Echinocereus triglochidiatus ?White Sands, NM?
Giant form the hedgehog cactus that grows to 3' + tall! Stout spines,
carmine flowers. Should be hardy to 10° F. Seed packet $3
Trichocereus Hybrid Seed $4 Per Packet
Trichocereus huanucoensis X Trichocereus peruvianus ?Serra Blue?
Trichocereus huanucoensis X Trichocereus peruvianus/ ?Juul?s Giant? hybrid
Trichocereus peruvianus ?Serra Blue? X Trichocereus sp. SS02
Trichocereus peruvianus ?Serra Blue? X Trichocereus huanucoensis
Trichocereus taquimbalensis Kimnach 2760B X Trichocereus bridgesii
Trichocereus sp. BBG? X Trichocereus sp. SS02
Trichocereus sp. SS02 X Trichocereus peruvianus ?Serra Blue? 500 seed $18
Trichocereus sp. SS02 X Trichocereus peruvianus/ ?Juul?s Giant? hybrid
Trichocereus sp. SS02 X Trichocereus huanucoensis
OTHER SUCCULENTS & XEROPHYTES
Agave ovatifolia ?Noga? ?Whale?s Tongue Agave?
Agavaceae. Seedlings of this amazing new hardy species from the mountains
of Mexico. See catalog for full info. 2" plant $6.50
Boophane disticha ?Gifbol? ?Incwadi? ?Leshoma?
Amaryllidaceae. Large bulb usually growing partially above ground.
Annually produces a dense umbel of numerous pink-red flowers followed by a
fan of blue-green strap-like leaves. Occurs sporadically throughout
southern Africa up into central Africa. One of the most important
medicinal and visionary plants of southern Africa. See B. haemanthoides in
the main catalog for more info. Seedling 1+ years old $7
Boswellia neglecta ?Frankincense? ?Ubani?
Burseraceae. Small tree to 24'. Thickened branches, grey bark, and hairy
feathery leaves. Native to eastern Africa. The aromatic resin is a
commercial source of frankincense. The resin is traditionally used as an
incense and antiseptic chewing gum. The bark is used for wound healing and
decocted as a tonic. Grow like Bursera. Does well as a bonsai. Protect
from cold. 5 seed $5
Boswellia serrata ?Indian Frankincense? ?Salai?
Burseraceae. Deciduous succulent tree 15?35'+ tall, thickened stems and
peeling bark. Pinnate leaves with serrate margins. Native to the dry
tropical forests of India and Pakistan. A highly important medicinal and
sacred aromatic incense, similar to African Frankincense, B. sacra.
Exceedingly scarce in cultivation. Grow like Bursera. No frost. 5 seed $5
Commiphora glandulosa ?Moroka?
Burseraceae. Small bush to tree. Yellow peeling bark, spiny branches with
simple leaves. Balsam scented sap. South Africa. Browsed by elephants.
Cuttings are planted as a living fence. Good firestarter. Another
excellent bonsai. Protect from frost. 5 seed $4
Commiphora guillaumini ?Arofy?
Attractive medium size tree with pinnate leaves. Native to the dry
deciduous forests of western Madagascar. Considered an important timber
tree. The Mikea make a preparation of the bark for wound healing. A rare
favorite among collectors of bonsai-able succulents. Protect from Winter
cold. 5 seed $5
Commiphora marlothii ?Muwirowiro?
Burseraceae. Aromatic medium size tree with green to golden peeling bark.
Compound leaves, small yellow flowers, and red edible fruit. Native to dry
rocky areas of south eastern Africa. The fruit is made into jam. Another
interesting myrrh species. No frost. 5 seed $4
6?10"+ seedling 1+ years old $9 or 2 for $15
Commiphora schimperi ?Seroka? ?Osilalei? ?Myrrh?
Deciduous bush to small tree. Green bark that peels in yellow flakes.
Densley 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. Seed from
South African populations. No frost. 5 seed $4
Ephedra breana ?Tume?
Ephedraceae. Upright bush to over 6'. Eventually forms a distinct trunk.
Endemic to the Atacama desert of northern Chile. Wild collected seed.
Traditionally used as a antibacterial and strongly stimulating tea.
Thought to have the highest ephedrine levels of any species. Extremely
drought tolerant and hardy to 25° F. Seed packet $5
Ephedra chilensis ?Pingo-pingo?
Upright jointed shrub 1'?3'. Greenish flowers, white edible berries with a
honey flavor. Native to the high mountains of central Chile. A traditional
urinary tonic and aphrodisiac. Contains antioxidant proanthocyanidens and
ephedrine? Hardy to 0° F. Plant 1?2 years old $8
Ephedra chilensis ?Pink Berry? ?Pingo-pingo?
Upright jointed shrub 1'?3'. Greenish flowers. A distinct pink fruited
form from lower elavations in central Chile. Hardy to at least 10° F. Seed
packet $3.50
Eriodictyon californica BK081111.1 ?Yerba Santa?
Hydrophyllaceae. Shrub to 8' tall. Thick resinous linear leaves with
toothed margins, dark green with white undersides. Clusters of small
tubular white flowers. California native. The flavonoid rich sticky leaves
are a powerful decongestant. Smoked and chewed as a tobacco substitute.
Does best in full sun and poor soil. A rugged plant, can take drought and
cold to at least 15° F. Seed collected on Mt. St. Helena (Mt. Mayacmas),
4,000', Calistoga, CA. Seed packet $3.50
Euclea divinorum ?Magic Guarri?
Small tree from South Africa used for dental care, epilepsy, and
divinatory purposes. See catalog for more info. 4?6" seedling 1+ years
old $12
Lycium minutiflora
Small Goji berry bush with succulent leaves densely arranged on the stems.
Tubular white flowers cover the plant when in bloom. Small orange edible
fruit. An unusual endemic from northern Chile. Wild collected seed. Should
be tolerant of drought and hardy to below 28° F. Seed packet $4
OTHER PLANTS OF INTEREST
Anadenanthera colubrina v. cebil La Paz ?Vilca? ?Curupau?
Fabaceae. Tree 10?30'+ tall. Feathery pinnate leaves. Some trees have
raised ridges on the bark and others are smooth. Large flat seedpods to
10? long, round shiny seed. Seed purchased from a street vendor in the
Witche?s Market, La Paz, Bolivia. The dominant tree in much of the nearby
Yungas dryland forests, and this is where the seed was originally
collected. Once one of the most important psychoactive plants throughout
the Andes, playing a central role in the spread of the Tiwanaku culture.
In addition, the seeds are used as an external head wash for headache, and
reportedly as an abortificent. The astringent bark is used for the lungs,
diarrea, and wound healing. An infusion of the leaves is said to ?bring
about a period of fervor in cows?...which we?ll leave to your imagination.
Fast growing, drought tolerant, but can only take mild frost. Seed packet
$5
Araucaria aruacana ?Pewen? ?Monkey Puzzle Tree?
Aruacariaceae. Bizarre ancient coniferous tree to 80'+ tall. Straight
trunk, whorled branches with dense overlapping pointed leaves. Large spiny
cones with up to 200 two inch edible seeds, similar to pine nuts. Has a
life span of over 1300 years. Endemic to the slopes of the Andes in
south-central Chile and adjacent Argentina. Endangered in habitat due to
deforestation, slow regeneration, and interference with indigenous land
management practices. The tree is now a national monument in Chile and
protected. Sacred to the Mapuche, being integral to their beliefs and
subsistence. They make all manner of foods from the seed and a special
fermented beverage called muday. Easy to grow. Hardy below 0° F. 4?6"+
seedling 1+ years old $8.50
Aristotelia chilensis ?Macqui?
Elaeocarpaceae. Shrub to 15'. Small white flowers, dark purple-black
edible fruits with a taste similar to blueberries. Cleared forests and
lower mountain hillsides of Chile. The fruit are used for brewing wine and
chicha, the leaves for sore throats, wound healing, intestinal tumours,
and as an analgesic. Easy to grow, prefers rich soil and humidity. A good
food forest plant. Hardy to at least 25° F. 8?12" seedling 1+ years
old $8.50
Asclepias sp. ?Mimbres, NM?
Asclepiadaceae. A handsome milkweed to 2' tall. Large lanceolate leaves.
3?4" long pointed seed pods, flowers not seen. Collected on the hills
around Mimbres Hotsprings, NM above 6,000'. Food for butterfly larvae.
Seed may need cold treatment. Should be hardy to below 10° F. Seed
packet $2.50
Brugmansia sanguinea NL, Urmiri ?Floripondio?
Solanaceae. Tall leafy shrub with large tubular flowers,
red-orange-yellow. From a small bush at Urmiri Hot Springs, Bolivia. A
widely used toxic medicinal/shamanic plant in Central and South America.
Collected by ethnobotanist Neil Logan. Hardy to about 25° F. Seed
packet $3 / 8"+ seedling $6.50
Coriaria ruscifolia Chile ?Deu?
Coriariaceae. Monotypic genus. Small shrub or bush, up to 6' tall. Arching
or pendent branches lined with oval leaflets give the plant a unique
fern-like appearance. Hanging clusters of small flowers transform into
necklaces of dark purple fruits. Native to mid elevations western South
America. The berries of closely related species (now considered synonomous
by some) Coriaria thymifolia, are considered a magical fruit in Ecuador
and are said to give one the feeling of flight when eaten. The whole plant
inluding the berries are thought to be toxic. The roots host bacteria that
fix nitrogen in the soil. A unique highly ornamental plant. Part sun,
hardy to at least 25° F. We have a limited quantity of freshly harvested
Chilean seed. Seed packet $5 (limited)
Ficus sp. CC5692
Moraceae. A rare species of fig tree. Glossy simple leaves with slightly
serrate margins. Seed collected by Chris Chadwell in Meghalaya, during the
first botanical expedition to this remote region in over 50 years. One of
42 species endemic to this unique region. These plants should be tolerant
of some frost, but full hardiness is unknown. 6" plant 2 years old $6.50
Fritillaria biflora BK08426.2 ?Chocolate Lily?
Liliaceae. From small bulbs arise thick, polished, lanceolate basal leaves
and a flowering stalk 4?8" tall bearing 2?6 nodding, bell-like flowers,
dark chocolate-purple. Native to the coastal ranges of California. The
bulbs may have been eaten like other Fritillaria species. Prefers a heavy
soil, the plant goes dormant by Summer and should be kept dry. Plant seeds
in Autumn/Winter to germinate in Spring or give 60 days cold. We collected
seed of this exquisite species on the hills southeast of San Luis Obispo,
California. Seed packet $3.50
Gaultheria forrestii
Ericaceae. Evergreen shrub 4?5' tall. 3" oval leaves and sprigs of white
flowers. Black edible berries. Native to Yunnan Province China. Leaves and
fruit have a wintergreen aroma. Part to full shade. Does well as a forest
understory plant. Hardy to 10° F. Seed packet $3
Gevuina avellana ?Guevin? ?Nefu? ?Chilean Macadamia?
Proteaceae. Ornamental rounded evergreen tree 20?30' tall. Glossy pinnate
leaves up to 2' long. Panicles of creamy white flowers followed by
clusters of red fruit containing a large edible nut. Native to central and
southern Chile. The sweet, nutritous, macadamia-like nuts have been eaten
by the Mapuche for thousands of years. A commercial nut crop in Chile and
more recently New Zealand. The plant needs sun and regular moisture. Well
drained, slightly acidic soil is called for. Resents too much phosphorus
and benefits greatly from mycorrhizal inoculation. Hardy to 10° F. 6"+
seedling 1+ years old $9.50 or 2 for $16
Latua pubiflora ?Latue? ?Palo de Bruja?
Solanaceae. Multi-branched shrub 6?20', occasionally larger. Gray-green
lanceolate leaves 1-3? long. Violet bell-shaped 1.5" flowers hang from the
branches and are followed by small yellow-green berries. Some clones have
long thorns while others are nearly thornless. A monotypic genus endemic
to limited regions of Chile. When our colleagues Rob Montgomery and
Christian Ratsch first came upon this plant in Chiloe, they literally fell
to their knees in awe! Revered by the Mapuche Indians, the plant is used
to treat rheumatism and as a shamanic delirient hallucinogen, similar to
Datura. Grow like Brugmansia sanguinea ? sun to part shade, well drained
acidic rich soil and regular water. Hardy to at least 30° F. This stunning
rarity is completely new to cultivation, a true horticultural gem. We have
a small amount of freshly harvested seed. Seed packet $7 (limited)
Mandragora officinarum ?Mandrake?
Solanaceae. 2 year old baby-drakes. Awake and screaming! See catalog for
full description. Seedling 2 years old $12
Pedicularis densiflora ?Betony? ?Indian Warrior?
Scrophurlariaceae. Deciduous herbaceous plant with feathery fern like
leaves, dark green to purple in color. Flower heads to 1' high, densely
packed with gorgeous bright red flowers. Considerd semi-parasitic on the
roots of other plants, but can grow on its own as well. Native to
California and southern Oregon. Tea made from the plant is a superb
skeletal muscle relaxant. Shade to sun. Give seed 30+ days cold. Seed
packet $3
SALE ITEMS
The following are on sale while supplies last!
Avonia ustulata (=Anacampseros ustulata) ?Moerplantjie?
Portulacaceae. Similar to A. papyracea the the reportedly psychoactive A.
rhodesica, but more unusual and desirable, developing a mass of miniature
branching stems. Thought to be the Khoi peoples original source for yeast.
Sun, no frost. 2"+ plant 3+ years old $6.50 Sale! $5 or 2 for $8
Berberis wilsoniae ?Chinese Barberry?
Deciduous shrub to 3'. Small elliptical blue-green leaves are densely
arranged on the arching spiny branches. Clusters of bright yellow flowers
followed by edible sweet-tart scarlet berries. Native to western Yunnan
and Sichuan, China. Roots are a strong antibacterial. Drought tolerant
once established. Hardy to ?20° F. 8"+ seedling 2 years old
$7.50 Sale! $6.50 or 2 for $12
Commiphora africana ?Gum Bdellium? ?Mothapo?
Burseraceae. Deciduous shrub to small tree with gray flaking bark,
trifoliate leaves, and small red flowers. An African species, similar to
Myrrh, the aromatic resin is used to treat fevers, cramps, snake bite, and
as an insecticide. Edible roots. Diamphidia beetle larva live at tthe
roots of the plant and are used by the San to prepare a powerful arrow
poison. Grow like Bursera. Protect from frost. 6"?10"+ seedling $10
Sale! $8 or 2 for $15
Commiphora glaucescens ?Emboo?
Deciduous tree to 25', Myrrh relative. Golden flaking bark, simple
blue-green leaves, small pink flowers and red edible fruit. Native to
Namibia. The wood is a preferred fire starter and used for making
containers and utensils. Frost tender. 6"?10"+ seedling $10 Sale!
$8
Commiphora mollis ?Mugumbati?
Tree to 25', Myrrh relative. Grey to dark green bark and deciduous velvety
compound leaves. Small reddish flowers. A southern African species found
in hot, dry areas. The roots are eaten by people, elephants and warthogs.
Poles from the tree are used in ceremonies and the wood is carved for
ornaments and utensils. Frost tender. 7"?11"+ seedling $10 Sale! $8 or
2 for $15
Pachycereus pringlei ?Cardon? ?Sahueso?
Gigantic columnar cactus that forms huge candelabra like stands to 60'
tall. Individual stems can grow as wide as 1 meter and have 10?16
gray-green ribs covered in 1"+ stout white spines. Oddly, the upper growth
of tall stems is often completely spineless. 3"?4" white nocturnal flowers
that are pollinated by bats. Golf ball size spiny yellow fruits. A Mexican
species that grows throughout Baja and from Sonora to Nayarit near the
coast. Natives consider this cactus a sacred living spirit and utilize it
for many purposes. Bright strong light and regular succulent culture is
needed. Protect from frost when young. We have found plants over a foot
tall to be cold hardy down to at least 28° F. 3"?4" diameter 12"+
tall plant $25* Sale! $20*
Silene undulata (=Silene capensis)
Caryophyllaceae. A low growing perennial with succulent roots and unusual
white tubular flowers. Native to South Africa. The downy leaves are smoked
as a tobacco and the Xhosa have made use of the plant to induce
?dreaming.? A nice addition to the rock garden or borders. Surface sow the
seed. Easy to grow, drought tolerant. Cold hardy below 20° F. Plant $12
Sale $10
Taxus Baccata ?Sacred Yew?
Taxaceae. A slow growing evergreen tree to 50' + tall. Dark green needles
and fleshy red berries. A European species, sacred to pagans and
christians alike. In Wales there is a specimen that has a circumference of
nearly 50 feet and estimated to be 4000 years old! A tree to plant for
future generations. Easily trimmed as a hedge or bonsaid. Source of the
anticancer drug, Taxol. All parts of the plant are considered poisonous,
except for the fruit which are quite tasty! The aromatic wood is burned as
an incense and a tea made from the leaves is insecticidal. Sun to shade
tolerant, prefers a moist well drained soil. Our plants are from Hungarian
seed. Hardy to ?20° F. 8?12" + seedling 3?4 years old $12 Sale
$10
Trichocereus andalgalensis X Trichocereus grandiflorus v. crassicaulis
A beauty that has the traits of both parents, round balls with golden
yellow spines, we expect the flowers to be a shocking orange.
2"?3"+ seedling 3 years old $6.50 Sale! $5 or 2 for $8
Trichocereus crassiarboreus
Supposedly a synonym for Weberbauerocereus cuzcoensis, but our seedlings
look distinctly peruvianoid so far...
4?6"+ seedling 3 years old $7.50 Sale! $6.50 or 2 for $12
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 $1 per plant if you want them sent potted.
CA RESIDENTS ADD 7.25% SALES TAX
We still only take Cash (USD$ or Euros), Money Orders, or Checks.
You can write out your order 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
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