[Sacred Succulents] SS nursery news and updates

[Sacred Succulents]

6/19/09  

Hello friends,

Summers Solstice draws us near to its solar expanse. The clumping 
Trichocereus are celebrating with a medley of yellow, orange, red, 
purple, and pink blossoms, the Ariocarpus are pushing forth their 
vaguely phallic fruit and all kinds of seeds are popping. 

This Solstice Sunday we’ll have a booth with BPC at the Herb Faire 
in the Sebastopol town square from 10 am to 3pm.

Our Spring journey to Andean Peru was fantastic. 
We got to meet with the infamous and mysterious cactus collector 
and nurseryman Karel Knize and see his nursery outside of Lima. 
Our ethnobotanist/ police colonel/ plastic surgeon/ linguist 
friend, Guillermo Pino, revealed his Peperomia collection and gave 
a clear view on how important these relatively unknown succulent 
plants are in Andean ethnomedicine and ceremony. The biggest 
revelation was their wondrous aromas when crushed, etherial 
combinations of balsam, lemon, mint and safrole. A diversity of the 
400+ species are used traditionally for wound healing, stomache 
problems, as painkillers, to freshen breath and ceremonially to 
“cleanse and flower subtle energies”. 
In the Cusco region we got to document the ancient use of 
Hawaq’ollay, Trichocereus cuscoensis, as an esteemed shampoo.
Other highlights included exploring the 3000 year old ruins and 
labryinths of Chavin de Huantar, a visit to the largest pineapple 
relative in the world- the endangered Puya raimondii, and the 
breathtaking beauty of Lagos de Llaganuco complete with intact 
Tolkienesque Polylepis forests.
We had a chance to examine the Trichocereus populations around 
Chavin and along the Rio Santa (the so called T. santaensis) and 
collect seed and tissue samples for Dr. Martin Terry’s future 
genetic studies of the genus.
We are currently finishing up sorting through photos and typing up 
our field notes. Those of your who paid for seed shares from the 
expedition should receive your allotment within the next 3 weeks. 
After that some of our remaining seed collections will become 
available to the rest of you. 
Our field collection notes and a CD of photos from the trip will be 
available for purchase (see below).

Lots of great new plants available, mostly Chilean natives and a 
few Himalayan wonders. We also have a list of Summer sale items, 
take advantage of these prices while you can.

We should have a striking new catalog completed by the end of 
Summer and some phtotos on the website.

RARE PLANT & SEED LIST - a new issue will mail out late July. 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 - Seedlings of new 
Trichocereus hybrids, first offerings from our recent seed 
collections in Peru and a first chance at seedlings from our Andean 
collections last year.

GIFT CERTIFICATES - are always available!

NEW ITEMS

Andean Collection Photos and Notes 2009
CD containing photos of plants, landscapes and archaeological sites 
from our Spring expedition to Peru along with a list of our 
complete seed collections containing ethnobotanical notes and 
cultivation suggestions. $10 postage paid in the USA, foreign 
orders add $2 shipping (Will mail mid July)

Andean Collection Photos and Notes 2008
CD containing 340 photos of plants, landscapes and archaeological 
sites from our 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 this journey, email us for 
the pricelist or check the website.

CACTACEAE

Obregonia denegrii
Strange cactus that is similar in size and appearance to an 
artichoke with small wispy spines at the ends of the tubercles. 
Iridescent white flowers arise from the furry center. Native to the 
valley of Jaumave, Tamaulipas where it is valued as a local 
treatment for rheumatism and other ailments. DNA studies show it to 
possibly be one of the closest living relative to peyote. Prefers 
some shade. Grow like Ariocarpus.     3/4–1" seedling 3 years old 
$6.50             

Trichocereus scopulicolus
Upright stands to 15' tall. Distinct dark green stems with 5–8 ribs 
and tiny spines. White night blooming flowers. A rare species that 
is quite similar to T. bridgesii and T. pachanoi. Native to the 
rocky woodlands of Tarija, Bolivia. Cold hardy to 25° F.    5–6" 
cutting $14 (limited)

Turbinicarpus alonsoi.
Seedlings of the exceedingly rare and most beautiful of Turbi 
species with deep rose flowers. See catalog for full info.      
1/2"+ seedling 3 years old $10 (limited)

OTHER SUCCULENTS & XEROPHYTES

Talbotia elegans (=Xerophyta elegans)
Velloziaceae. Forms small rosettes of stiff green leaves to about 
10". White to pink star shaped flowers borne on thin stems. Native 
to shady forest areas of the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa. 
The plant is tolerant of near total desiccation, reviving quickly 
when water becomes available. Easy, part to full shade and regular 
water for best growth. Hardy to below 20° F.    2" plant $6.50

Yucca harrimaniae
Agavaceae. Small rosettes of thin blue-green leaves. Flower stalks 
to 2'+ with greenish white blossoms. From seed collected in Wayne 
Co., Utah, 4600'. An extremely cold hardy dwarf Yucca, down to -20° 
F.    Plant 2 years old $6.50

Yucca neomexicana JRT251
Another attractive dwarf species, this is from the smallest known 
populations, rosettes to no more than 8" diameter. Slender blue-
green leaves. Cimmaron Co., Oklahoma, 3600'. Hardy to below 0° F.   
Plant 2 years old $6.50

Rhodiola yunnanensis ex EDHCH 97073 “Hong Jing Tian”
Crassulaceae. Perennial caudex from which annual stems arise to 18" 
bearing whorls of succulent leaves. Pink-purple flowers on female 
plants and yellowish on the male. The stems turn red in strong 
light. Grows on forested mountain slopes from 3,000'–12,000' in 
western and northern China. One of the magical plants of China, 
used in traditional medicine much like R. rosea. Part shade to sun. 
Easier to grow and much more tolerant of heat than R. rosea. Hardy 
below 0° F. Originally from collections made in Sichuan Province.  
Plant $7.50


OTHER PLANTS OF INTEREST

Betula exilis CC5763 “Bhojapatra” “Himalayan Birch”
Betulaceae. A gorgeous medium sized birch tree 20–35' tall. 
Exceptional gold and copper peeling bark. The leaves turn a rich 
yellow and defoliate in Autumn. From seed collected by Chadwell at 
12,500' Langtang, Nepal, just south of the Tibetan border. An 
important tree, the bark is used for wound healing and as a 
carminative. In India the resin is reportededly used as a 
contraceptive. It is widely used for construction, and the tree is 
now considered endangered in some regions due to deforestation. 
Easy to grow, does well in most soils.    9–12" plants, 2 years old 
$7.50 each

Boquila trifoliata “Pilpil-foki”
Lardizabalaceae. Ornamental edible vine to 15' with glossy 
tripartite leaves. White flowers followed by clusters of white pea-
size sweet fruit. Native to the forests of central Chile. The 
fruits are relished by the Mapuche and sometimes brewed into a 
chicha beer. The stem and roots are source of a yellow dye. Part 
sun to shade, a good garden or food forest candidate. Hardy to at 
least 15° F.     Plant 2 years old $8.50

Calceolaria arachnoidea “Salsilla”
Scrophulariaceae. A pleasing perennial to about 12" tall, and 
eventually spreading to form large colonies. Fuzzy white leaves. 
Inflated pouch flowers typical to the genus but with an unusual 
deep rich purple color. Native to mid and high altitudes of central 
Chile. Calceolaria are often used as a tea for kidney health 
throughout South America. Part to full sun, well drained soil and 
regular watering. Tolerant of snow and temperatures below 5° F.   
Plant 2 years old $6.50  

Calceolaria cana “Salsilla”
Ornamental herbaceaous perennial to 1.5' with fine downy white 
leaves. Distinct 2 lipped flowers, small upper lip, and large 
inflated pouch like lower lip, lavender in color, with white and 
darker purple mottling. Central Chile up to 6,000'. Dermatological 
uses in ethnomedicine. Prefers cool, moist, rich soil, but is more 
drought tolerant than many species. Hardy to at least 20° F.    
Plant 2 years old $6.50

Gaultheria yunnanensis “Bai guo bai zhu”
Ericaceae. Evergreen shrub 3–6' tall. 3" ovate leaves with pointed 
apex. White flowers and purple-black edible berries. Native to the 
forests of Yunnan Province, China. Leaves and fruit have a 
wintergreen aroma. Used in traditional medicine for stomach 
problems, colds, and fevers. Contains gaultherin; a natural 
salicylate derivative that has anlagesic and antiinflammatory 
properties like aspirin without the ulcerogenic effects. Part to 
full shade. Does well as a forest understory plant. Hardy to 10° F. 
    Plant 2 years old $7.50 (limited)

Gaultheria phillyreifolia “Chuwra comun”
Attractive evergreen shrub to 4'. New growth is an unusual bronze 
color. White bell flowers and red edible berries. Central and 
southern Chile, up to 4,000'. The sweet berries are used to make an 
esteemed chicha (beer). Prefers a slightly acidic soil, sun, shade 
and drought tolerant. Hardy to at least 10° F.     Plant 2 years 
old $6.50

Jovellana violaceae “Capachito”
Scrophulariaceae. Mounding subshrub 2–4' tall. Pubescent green 
leaves. Clusters of stunning small bell flowers, pink with 
highlights of purple and yellow. A rare species endemic to central 
Chile. A delightful and unusual plant. Prefers part shade and moist 
rich soil. Hardy to at least 25° F.       Plant 2 years old $6.50

Pernettya furens “Hued-hued” “Hierba Loca”
Ericaceae. A beautiful evergreen shrublet 1–2' in height. White 
bell flowers and red berries. Endemic to southern Chile. The fruits 
are reported to cause intoxication and delirium when eaten. If the 
fruit is eaten in excess, a permanent condition of insanity can be 
induced. Sun to part shade, drought tolerant. Hardy to 0° F. 	 
Plant 2 years old $6.50

Salvia sp. CC6306
Labiatae. Forms rosettes of strongly aromatic hairy sagittate 
leaves. Flowers not yet seen. Possibly Salvia campanulata, S. 
hians, or another of the Himalayan beauties. Collected by C. 
Chadwell 9500' Himachel Pradesh, India. Should be plenty hardy and 
easy to grow, sun to part shade.     Plant $6.50 or 2 for $10.50

Summer Sale Plants
The following are on sale while supplies last!

Ariocarpus trigonus “Chaute”
Cactaceae. Bizzare species with dark green claw-like tubercles 
which curve towards the center of the plant. Bright yellow flowers. 
Occurs along the eastern edge of the Sierra Madre Oriental and on 
into some of the nearby valleys. Natural hybrids with A. retusus 
are known to occur.       2" plant 7–8 years old $14 Sale! $11.50 
or 2 for $20

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”
Berberidaceae. 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 3 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.    10"+ seedling $10  Sale! $8 or 2 for $15
              
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.	   
10"+ seedling $10 Sale! $8 or 2 for $15

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.     8"+ plant 2 years old $6.50  Sale! 2 for 
$10.50

Pachycereus pringlei “Cardon” “Sahueso”
Cactaceae. 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*

Trichocereus andalgalensis X Trichocereus grandiflorus v. 
crassicaulis
Cactaceae. A beauty that has the traits of both parents, round 
balls with golden yellow spines, we expect the flowers to be a 
shocking orange.     3–5"+ seedling 4 years old $6.50  Sale! $5 or 
2 for $8.50 

Trichocereus crassiarboreus     
Supposedly a synonym for Weberbauerocereus cuzcoensis, but our 
seedlings look distinctly peruvianoid so far...     6"+ seedling 4 
years old $7.50 Sale! $6.50 or 2 for $10.50

Trichocereus pachanoi f. monstrosus
Mutant San Pedro. Bizarre columnar growth. We have both clone A and 
B available. Please specify which!.          5–6" cuutting $12.50  
Sale! $10 or 2 for $18     /   10–12" cutting $20  Sale! $16* 

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 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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