To receive our periodic (usually every 4-8 weeks) emails listing new plants, sales & auction fundraisers, news from our gardens, greenhouses & travels, sign up at –
http://lists.sonic.net/mailman/listinfo/sacredsucculentsTrichocereus pachanoi scanned at St. Lawrence University’s Microscopy & Imagery Center, from Microcosms: A Homage to Sacred Plants of the Americas (https://www.microcosmssacredplants.org/), used with permission of Jill Pflugheber & Steven F. White, © 2023.

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Conservation of Resilient Biodiversity

through Propagation, Dissemination and Education

 

Sacred Succulents is currently operating at reduced capacity.
Right now we are almost exclusively taking orders from our Specimen Plant List,
we are still not taking seed & PDF catalog orders, and remain unsure when we’ll be in a position to do so.

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Website updated  11/20/24

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The SPECIMEN PLANT LIST is now updated for November—
Exciting New offerings and Sale on Select Plants

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News & Updates:

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10/30/24  Our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who took part in our fundraisers this month!
After the damage we’ve sustained the last 2 winters, and extreme heat spikes in summer taking a toll, these are a big help in raising the support the nursery so vitally needs to continue — know that your auction purchases directly fund much needed nursery repairs, essential renovations, ongoing irrigation installation [after 20 years of hand-watering, we can no longer keep up — we’ve lost over 25% of our rare & endangered plant collection in the last 5 years due to the climatic shift towards hotter & drier], equipment repair & replacement [for instance, the refrigerator we use exclusively for our seed bank died during the worst summer heat], as well as our continual research & conservation work.
We are deeply grateful for your love of plants and support of our work!
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10/7/24  Just when we thought the cooler fall weather had arrived, the last 2 weeks have been brutal with oppressive heat. We’ve been scrambling to keep plants watered & alive and have been shocked to see a number of species damaged this past week that had tolerated hot, dry summers for decades… 
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9/19/24  The last few weeks have finally seen a welcome mellowing of high temperatures here as the season turns towards autumn. The summer has been harsh, with periodic heat spikes that disrupted much of our propagation work. Very few plants appreciate the extremes and we’ve even seen species damaged that had otherwise weathered the vicissitudes of the past decade. Still, we’re adapting and have inched forward with nursery renovations.
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I make an appearance in a lovely essay which Erik Davis just posted about Little, Big — my friend John Crowley’s 1981 award winning novel of which I’ve assisted in publishing the anniversary edition: https://www.burningshore.com/p/big-little-big
Stock is running low, books can be purchased through: https://store.deepvellum.org/products/little-big
A limited quantity of the signed, Numbered edition have just been made available!
Don’t pass up your chance to invest in these gorgeous literary artifacts made to last for generations.

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7/1/24  Sacred Succulents is currently operating at reduced capacity.
Much of our time is given to navigating obstacles, continuing with vital nursery renovations, and endeavoring to stabilize & salvage many of our plants that’ve been battered the last few seasons by the extremes of an increasingly manic climate. It’s unlikely we’ll resume seed & PDF catalog orders anytime soon, 2025 is most likely.

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For further updates and nursery news, now see our NEWS PAGE

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Ancient Prosopis with Trichocereus terscheckii growing in its branches, south Salta, Argentina
(See the bottom of this page for more photos!)

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The SPECIMEN PLANT LIST is updated for November. Sale on select plants!

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~  See our listing of New BOOKS + Rare & Used Editions  ~
We have a few new and used collector’s titles on sale this month!
We recently sold the last of our remnant stock of the first edition hardcover of Ott’s Pharmacotheon, though we just discovered an untouched case of the 1st edition softcover, which had originally sold out in the mid-1990s! We have a handful of these historical artifacts available for the serious collector. Get one before they are gone! SeeJonathan Ott titles

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♣  Last chance at rare BOTANICAL PRODUCTS (resins, roots, oils)  ♣

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PDF downloads for each section of our Retail Catalog:
[For reference only!]

( Updated 3/27/23 – these replace any previous version and web listings, yet are only for reference.)

Note: due to the intractable events of recent years, and the losses and extensive damage to many plants these past seasons, these lists are primarily for reference right now. You can inquire about plants, but know we are NOT shipping ANY SEED. For now, we are almost exclusively taking orders from our Specimen Plant List. This will continue until our retail stock has sufficiently recovered and our lists have been adequately revised — we hope to update the retail PDFs and resume shipping seed sometime in 2025.
Currently these PDFs ARE FOR REFERENCE, many of the plants are not available as listed;
please email to confirm availability & pricing – benkamm@monitor.net

 

Cactaceae

Trichocereus List

Other Succulents & Xerophytes

Andean Ethnobotanical Offerings

Andean Tubers

Medicinals, Edibles, CA Natives

Books & Products

Order Form

 

2024 Shipping Schedule* for Retail Catalog Orders

 

Autumn/Winter:  We are shipping orders primarily from the Specimen Plant List. We are not taking retail seed orders until a later date. The catalog PDFs are currently for reference, though you are welcome to email inquiries about plant availability & price. 

*The exception to the limited shipping schedule is:
Books & Products, Specimen List Plants, & Auction Plants—these orders ship year round.

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We encourage that all orders be emailed as inquiries before payment is sent—
benkamm@monitor.net
I can then confirm stock, price and give the estimated ship time for your order. Please include your shipping address.
Due to large volumes of email and nursery demands — it may takes me a couple days to respond.

We’ve had some ongoing issues with our Hushmail email.
If you haven’t received a response from us, please try again through our always reliable benkamm@monitor.net

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Picking up an order from our physical location in Occidental can be arranged, but we have not yet resumed any nursery visits or tours.

A bit about Sacred Succulents:

Greetings!

A small family run business, Sacred Succulents was founded in 1997, borne from our love of plants and a calling to the sacred duty of their conservation through propagation, dissemination and education. While our initial focus was succulents and xerophytes, our travels and the necessity of species conservation has us propagating a diverse cornucopia of unusual and wonderful beneficial plants from remote and immediate regions of our fecund planet. We strive toward maximizing biodiversity in our gardens and offerings. Widespread dispersal of plants along with propagation on an individual level is one of the most viable means of helping protect wild populations while assuring the evolutionary expansion of these botanical wonders.

 

We all have the strange grace to live in this time of climatic change and massive biological extinction recognized to be greater than anything the biosphere has experienced in 65 million years. Plant extinctions have been estimated at a loss of nearly 2 species a day. Along with this extinction is the loss of our collective human heritage, as the cultures, languages, dreams and songs that were intimately woven to those species disappear with them. Amongst thousands of known food plants, the world’s food supply relies on a scant dozen. We must do much more than save heirloom varieties and landraces of the major crops. We encourage you to relearn the forgotten indigenous foods and medicines of your region and of your lineage. Where habitat still exists, these are often disappearing from the fields and forests for lack of tending. Each and every one of us are co-creators of our ecosystems. Experiment with strange and rare edible plants, expand your palate. These are the seeds of true health and food security.

Whether you have a bright window in a city apartment, a suburban house with a yard, or access to acres of land, you can take part in the nurturing of endangered plants, propagate them and pass along the seeds, starts, attendant aspirations and ethnobotanical knowledge to friends. Realize the power we each have to assist our vanishing flora, acting as conservationists through a simple and joyful role as gardeners, horticulturalists, admirers of plants. These small endeavors help to put us in resonance with the viridian heartbeat of the biosphere, a reminder of earthly things like soil, weather and mooncycles in a world increasingly adrift in the navel gaze of cyberspace. Attention to seasonal gifts such as Spring flowers can refresh our wonder in the delicate fortitude of life in all its myriad forms. There is so much life and potential to celebrate all around us!

 

Our coveted paper catalog is beautifully illustrated and full of ethnobotanical and horticultural information including detailed seed germination and propagation techniques. Some of what we offer:

• Cacti– endangered Ariocarpus, Aztekium, Pelecyphora, Turbinicarpus species… we have one of the most diverse selections of Trichocereus species including new hybrids and mutant San Pedros. We are involved with ongoing studies of this genus in South America: mapping distribution, ecology, ethnobotany and taxonomy through genetic analysis to aid preservation.
• Other Succulents & Xerophytes– Aloe, rare and hardy Agave & Yucca, Baobabs & caudiciforms, aromatic Bursera (Copal, Palo Santo), Commiphora (Myrrh, Guggul) & Boswellia species (Frankincense), rare Echeveria, a large selection of Ephedra species, Hoodia gordonii, medicinal Peperomia, uncommon Puya, obscure Rhodiola & Sedum species, Sceletium tortuosum…
• Unusual & Rare Perennial Edible Plants– Gaultheria, Vaccinium, Amelanchier, Lycium, Elaeagnus, Rubus, Ribes, Ugni, Agapetes … Chufa, Capers, Ramps & rare Alliums, Rampion, Breadroot, Vigna subterranea & edible bulbs, tubers, vines, fruit trees and more for adventurous gardeners, permaculturalists, and food forest fanatics.
• Obscure Medicinals– Codonopsis species, Gold Root, Green tea, Honeybush & Rooibos, Maralroot, Mandrake, Sea Buckthorn, heirloom Tobacco, Yaupon, Yerba Mate, Dioscorea, Dan Shen & other Salvia species, Shatavari, Umckaloaba, Silene capensis…
• Rare & Endangered Chilean Endemics– Latua pubiflora, Gomortega keule, Desfontainia spinosa, Ugni, Coriaria, Chilean Macnut, Fabiana, Macqui Berry, Bell Flower, Nothofagus…and from the Juan Fernandez Archipelago- Dendroseris, Ochagavia elegans, Chenopodium sanctae-clarae, Nicotiana cordifolia, and more…
•  Andean Ethnobotanicals– From our annual expeditions. Ancient medicinals and species from one of the most imperiled forest ecosystems on the planet- Polylepis, Buddleja, Hesperomeles, Alnus, Escallonia, Erythrina, Anadenanthera, Puya raimondii, Calceolaria, Macleania, Cavendishia, Pernettya, Bomarea, Cypella, Phaedranassa, Stenomesson, etc. Traditional Andean food plants- Caigua, Kaniwa & Quinoa, Tarwi, Aguaymanto, Naranjilla, Tamarillo, Sauco Berries, Ulupica Pepper, Lacayote squash, Congona, Jaltomata, wild Tomatoes, Passiflora and a large selection of heirloom tubers- Ajipa, Oca, Ulluco, Achira, Mashua, Mauka, Arracacha, Yacon, Maca.
•  Plants of California – a focus on forgotten feral foods like Brodiaea, Calochortus, Triteleia, Lilium, Yampah, Chia, plus medicinals and endemic rarities.
•  A diversity of wild crafted seed from South Africa, China, Himalayas & other remote regions… rock garden & alpine miniatures…and much more!
• Books– Hard to find titles on ecological horticulture and ethnobotany.

 

We are not currently taking payment for our excessively lengthy & highly informative catalog. We are in the slow laborious process of updating it and do not currently have a functional hardcopy to mail. Our apologies to those who have sent payment in the past–we will eventually get you a copy!  For the time being you download the full PDFs of the various catalog sections at the top of this webpage, the Specimen Plant List [below↓] is updated monthly.
Seed deliveries world-wide. [Currently we are not taking seed orders]

♦

To Place an Order:

Yes, we are an anachronism and do not take online payment.
We know it may be a stretch in this age of one click shopping,
but to place an order you must do the following:
Email to confirm availability, print and fill out an order form, clearly listing botanical name & variety
and mail with full payment (check, money order or cash, no credit cards) to:

Sacred Succulents, P.O. Box 781, Sebastopol, CA 95473 USA

Email: benkamm@monitor.net or sacredsucculents@hushmail.com

Please note: We do not have a mobile device and
often only check our emails in the morning Monday to Friday,
so if you don’t get an immediate response from us–do not fret! We will get back to you.

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We do not have a retail store set up for on site shopping, but you can arrange to pick up an order from our physical location in Occidental, CA
Email us your order and we can arrange a time for you to pick up (usually at least 1-2 weeks ahead).

♣

To receive our periodic (usually every 4-8 weeks) emails listing new plants, sales & auction fundraisers, news from our gardens, greenhouses & travels, sign up at –
http://lists.sonic.net/mailman/listinfo/sacredsucculents

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Just south of Huariquiña, Huarochirí Prov., Lima Dept., Peru

 

Public Domain Pledge

An important terms of business note to all our customers:
In order to be in line with our mission to support the preservation of botanical biodiversity, following the lead of J.L. Hudson Seeds and in recognition that the biodiversity of the Earth is the common heritage of all life, all of our seed and plant offerings are now Public Domain. This means that all plants and seeds are supplied solely under the following conditions: We expressly prohibit the use of any seeds or plants supplied by us, or their progeny, in any form of genetic engineering, breeding, or research which will result in any form of life patent, variety protection, trademarks, breeder’s rights or any form of intellectual property applied to living things which would compromise the Public Domain status of the seeds, plants, their progeny and any genetic material therein. We expressly prohibit the transfer to any third party of any seeds, plants, their progeny or any portion of their genetic material without these prohibitions in place. Commercial propagation is encouraged, but in the unlikely event that large-scale commercial distribution is achieved, benefit-sharing along the path towards the source, in accordance with the spirit of the International Convention on Biological Diversity, will be undertaken. Thank you for your understanding and support!

We acknowledge that the world’s biological diversity is a common inheritance shared by all;
the right to having a personal individual relationship with the myriad life forms of the planet is intrinsic to this. These are the very fibers that weave us.

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((((((((( Plant seeds. Plant lots of seeds. Plant them without fear. Plant them with love. )))))))))

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“We must look for help not so much to the stamen counters as to the plants themselves.”
– Luther Burbank

♥

 “The greatest service which can be rendered any country is to add a useful plant to its culture“
– Thomas Jefferson

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Microcosms:

Polylepis incarum scanned at St. Lawrence University’s Microscopy & Imagery Center, from Microcosms: A Homage to Sacred Plants of the Americas (https://www.microcosmssacredplants.org/), used with the permission of Jill Pflugheber & Steven F. White, © 2023.

♦

For several years I’ve been contributing plants to Steve White and Jill Pflugheber’s fascinating scientific art project, Microcosms — wondrous images of American sacred plants produced through confocal microscopy. The site was just updated — a few sections now feature my Andean photos, with more to come.
You can read my commentary on the project: https://www.microcosmssacredplants.org/commentary/ben-kamm/

I’ve also contributed a short article on the Andean keystone tree Polylepis:  https://www.microcosmssacredplants.org/plant/polylepis-spp/

Peruse the comments of other colleagues such as Neil Logan, Manolo Torres, Dennis McKenna, Luis Eduardo Luna, etc.: https://www.microcosmssacredplants.org/commentaries/ 

Herpetological Kin:

In addition to the diversity of rare and endangered plants here, the nursery and gardens also provide habitat for a medley of ‘wildlife’. We rejoice that the herpetological denizens are really thriving in recent years— for a full report see our NEWS PAGE

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Plant Auction-Fundraiser

The Plant Auction-Fundraiser now has its own page –
www.sacredsucculents.com/auction-fundraiser

♣

After the damage we’ve sustained the last 2 winters, and extreme heat spikes in summer taking a toll, these auctions are a big help in raising the support the nursery so vitally needs to continue — know that your auction purchases directly fund these much needed nursery repairs, essential renovations, ongoing irrigation installation [after 20 years of hand-watering, we can no longer keep up — we’ve lost over 25% of our rare & endangered plant collection in the last 5 years due to the climatic shift towards hotter & drier], equipment repair & replacement [for instance, the refrigerator we use exclusively for our seed bank died during the worst summer heat], as well as our continual research & conservation work. We are deeply grateful for your love of plants and support of our work!

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The auction-fundraisers are a unique chance to obtain new introductions, rarities, specimens and mother plants. Due to ongoing adversities, a fair number of species will only be available via auction for some time. This is a one time offer for most of these plants – they will not be available again!

♥

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⇑ Los Gigantes, Sierras Grandes, Cordoba, Argentina

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The Specimen Plant List

Above the Apurimac, looking south, Cusco Dept., Peru

November 2024 Specimen Plant Offerings

Specimen List Plants are not subject to this year’s limited shipping schedule—
we ship Specimen Plant orders throughout the year.

 

We do our best to fully update this section monthly – by the second week of each month. So check back!
List updated 11/20/24
Now fully updated for November.

♣

To receive our periodic (usually every 4-8 weeks) emails listing new plants, sales & auction fundraisers, news from our gardens, greenhouses & travels, sign up at –
http://lists.sonic.net/mailman/listinfo/sacredsucculents

♣

To reduce the excessive number of plants we care-for, and to free up space, we’ve reluctantly decided to begin offering some of our large, seed grown hybrid Trichocereus specimens and mother plants to new homes via our Specimen Plant List and future auctions. These have all been grown hard, exposed to the full range of seasonal extremes for years. They’re a bit weathered, but hale and hardy. This is a rare chance to add these one-of-a-kind specimens to your collection! See below ↓

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See the new Fundraiser page for Auction plants

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~ New BOOKS + Rare & Used Editions near the bottom of this page ~

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♣  Last chance at rare BOTANICAL PRODUCTS (resins, roots, oil) listed below Books  ♣

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Ordering Specimen Plants:

Specimen orders can be combined with other items — books, auction plants, products, etc. 
Many of these plants are one-of-a-kind and will not be available again!
If you want to purchase a plant, please email first to confirm availability – benkamm@monitor.net
& provide your full shipping address in the email.

Download Order Form

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Shipping & Handling for Specimen Plants (USA only)

First Class Priority Mail = $10.00 for the first plant, $2 each additional plant.
Express mail = Inquire for current costs
*Plants marked with a single asterisk* are large, heavy & have special shipping charges =
$18.00 for the first plant, $2 each additional plant.
**Plants marked with double asterisk** are extra large and/or heavy. We charge you the USPS postage cost plus a $6 handling fee on the total order. Please note: Shipping costs for these will be significant for folks in eastern states (for example a 36″ Trichocereus sent to the East Coast would be around $45-70+ shipping but less than half that for the West Coast). You may inquire the approximate shipping cost by emailing us your zipcode.
 ***Plants are too large to ship – available for pick up, by appointment, at our home in Occidental.
Email to reserve plants and arrange pick up. For those further away, we will consider shipping, but the plants will need to be cut into smaller sizes – email for shipping quotes.

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Shipping and Handling for Specimen Seed Packets
First Class Mail USA: $5.00 (seeds ride free when ordered with plants)
International: First Class $20, or Priority Mail $44 (quickest, most secure, recommended!)

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California residents add 7.25% sales tax. Sonoma county residents 8%.
Download Order Form

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GIFT CERTIFICATES are excellent gifts: available for any amount, please inquire

Agave cordillerensis, Apurimac, Cusco Dept., Peru

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Key to Specimen Plant Listings:

Genus, species, Accession# or ‘Clone name’, (=synonym), “common” or “local names” ♥ New ♥ (a recent addition)
Plant family. Plant description. Z# = USDA hardiness zones
[ #  quantity originally listed] → # still available  ~  approximate plant size, age (if seed grown), $price
* or ** after the price denotes a heavy or oversize plant, see the shipping info above.

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Specimen Plant List

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Cactaceae

 

Borzicactus icosagonus v. roseiflorus NL042408a X Borzicactus fieldianus BK09508.4  ♥ New ♥   

A completely new hybrid we are quite excited about! The proud parents: N. Logan’s accession from southern Ecuador of the exceedingly rare B. icosagonus v. roseiflorus: a sprawling, mostly prostrate plant with slender stems, small reddish to golden spines, tubular hot-pink flowers that flare feathery at the tips, and globose, red-skinned, juicy fruit; fertilized by our Chavín de Huántar accession of B. fieldianus, a shrubby columnar species with diamond shaped tuberculate ribs, dark green skin, gray spines, orange-red tubular flowers and yellow fruit. So far, the brood show the best traits of their parents—deep green, tuberculate ribs, fuzzy areoles, red-golden spines. We’re sure this hybrid will only grow more beautiful as it matures. We have a small number of seedlings to offer here for the very first time outside of auction. We wonder what uniqueness of blossom and tastiness of fruit awaits. Be the first to find out! Z9b?
[ 4 ] → 2  ~  3-4″+ plants 3 years old $64.50 each

↑ An example of the hybrid seedlings on offer ↑ ↑ Mother plant ↑↑ Father plant ↑

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Ferocactus glaucescens “Visnaga”

Barrell cactus with green to blue stems to 24″. Yellow spines and metallic-yellow flowers. Hidalgo, Mexico. The seed is from our spineless mother plants (f. inermis), the seedlings are spiny so far but may lose their spines as they mature. Easy to grow. Z10a
[ 6 ] → 1  ~  2-3″+ plant 3 years old $9.50  

↑ An example of the specimens on offer ↑
↑ Ferocactus glaucescens f. inermis 3 mothers ↑

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About the genus Trichocereus

Large genus of some 50–80+ species native to the Andes of Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile. Decades ago Trichocereus was merged with the closely related genus Echinopsis, then recently segregated again to Trichocereus but with questionable changes, leading to great confusion. In many ways this genus is a perfect case study in the absurd modern trends in armchair taxonomy. Here we recognize Trichocereus as a distinct genus, variable in size and form; sometimes low growing multi-branching colonies, others large candelabra-like stands(the “San Pedros”), to imposing tree-like giants. All produce large funnel shaped flowers that are often sweetly scented. These magnificent flowers are either white and nocturnal or multi-colored and diurnal. The fruits are edible and quite delicious. Often mistakenly thought of as sun-baked desert plants, many of these species are in fact integral members of forest ecosystems –– from Prosopis and Anadenanthera dry forests to Polylepis cloudforests. The oldest depiction of a succulent plant (and possibly of its propagation) is an anthropomorphic being carrying what is assumed to be a rooted Trichocereus cutting at the 3000 year old temple of Chavín de Huantar in the central Peruvian Andes. Today cuttings are often planted as living fences throughout South America. Flower petals and the inner flesh of most species are excellent external remedies for wounds and burns much like Aloe vera. A medley of species, known locally as “San Pedro”, “Huachuma” in Quechua, or “Achuma” in Aymara, are central to the Curanderismo healing traditions of the Andes. Cut stems of some species are traditionally used to “purify” water and in some regions made into an esteemed shampoo. All are relatively fast growing, very easy care for, and fairly cold & wet tolerant. For the best growth provide a rich, well-drained soil, plenty of horizontal root room, bright light, regular water and balanced nutrients during spring and summer. Trichocereus provide some of the best long lived grafting stocks. We began hybridizing Trichocereus in 1996 and have introduced hundreds of unique crosses over the years. Increasingly popular as drought hardy landscape specimens, there has been a surge of interest in the horticultural merit of Trichocereus. In fact, in what we have come to think of as Trichomania, the number of collectors has skyrocketed in past decade from a couple hundred worldwide to many thousands! 
     Note: For optimal haleness and resilience, we grow our Trichocereus “hard”, it is not unusual for the cuttings we offer to have a bit of a weathered look, similar to plants in habitat, as many come from our mother plants grown outside year round, exposed to the full barrage of northern California elements — winter months of heavy rain, regular frost in the mid to low 20°s F (& usually 1-2 weeks in the high to mid teens), then the hot summer sun and recurring dry periods. The seedlings and plants in the greenhouse are grown in bright filtered light, are given seasonal dry cycles, and exposed to cold in the high to mid 30°s F during winter. We feed all of our Trichocereus enough organic food to support vigor, but we do not push them for maximum growth — heavy fertilizing may produce fast growth with an alluring “unblemished” look, but 30 years of experience has demonstrated that such plants tend to be notably less sturdy and more prone to pests & problems. Our goal has always been to offer the hardiest plants possible.
     In habitat, Trichocereus occur with a diverse array of companion plants and we encourage you to try growing them with some of their commonly associated Andean species: in grouped plantings, in pots side by side, or even in the same pots—many associates are low growing or groundcovers that can be planted around the base of the columns. Consider your climate, growing environment and how the following plant allies may complement your Trichocereus specimens: cacti such as Borzicactus spp., Cleistocactus spp., Corryocactus spp., Armatocereus spp., Lobivia spp., etc.; small succulents such as Peperomia galioides & other aromatic Peperomia spp., Echeveria & Sedum spp., Pilea spp., shrubby Ephedra spp., to larger succulent companions like Agave cordillerensis & Furcraea spp., floriferous Puya & other terrestrial bromeliads (Abromeitiella, Deuterocohnia, etc.), or caudiciform papaya like Carica & Jacaratia; the xerophytic Barbaceniopsis vargesii; flowering bulbs—Cypella, Eustephia, Stenomesson, etc.; ferns like Blechnum, Cheilanthes & Pellaea spp.; climbers such as Bomarea spp., Ipomoea & Dioscorea spp., Passiflora spp., Mutisia acuminata, etc.; low shrubs like the xerophytic perennial tobacco Nicotiana benavidesii & other Nicotiana spp., Siphocampylus tupaeformis, Baccharis spp., Calceolaria spp., Begonia spp., the furry leafed Lessingianthus asteroflorus, Salvia spp., fruiting Lycium, Myrteola & Ugni spp., Pernettya & Vaccinium & other neotropical blueberries (Disterigma, Cavendishia, Ceratostema, Macleania, Satyria, etc.),; tall shrubs & trees like Colletia ulicina, Luma spp, Aristotelia chilensis, Sambucus peruviana, Anadenanthera colubrina, Polylepis & Escallonia spp., Alnus & Podocarpus spp., Geoffroa & Zizyphus;  etc. Or use your imagination and choose plants from other regions of the world to fit a similar companion niche! (Check throughout the Specimen List for such plants).
For two decades we have been involved in a long term interdisciplinary field study of the ethnobotany, ecology, distribution and taxonomy of Trichocereus cacti.
All BK numbers are from our wild seed accessions.
Purchase of plants helps to fund ongoing research and conservation.

♥ New ♥
Trichocereus companion plant special offer:
The following 4 companion species for $52 [$66+ value] plus $16 shipping (while supplies last!):
Agave cordillerensis, Eustephia sp.BK14512.9, Pilea serpyllacea, and Nicotiana benavidesii.

Ben with a Trichocereus bridgesii mutant and Prosopis sp., above Huachjilla, La Paz Dept., Bolivia

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Note: To reduce the excessive number of plants we care-for, and to free up space, we’ve reluctantly decided to begin offering here some of our large, seed grown hybrid Trichocereus specimens and mother plants to new homes. These have all been grown hard, exposed to the full range of seasonal extremes for years. They’re a bit weathered, but hale and hardy. This is a rare chance to add these one-of-a-kind specimens to your collection! Lookout for these below ↓

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Trichocereus bridgesii Baker5452 “Achuma”

Slender blue-green branches, longish spines, white flowers. Classic heirloom clone collected for the late B. Baker by J. Cruz from a shaman’s garden, Jayuri, Murillo Prov, La Paz, Bolivia. You can’t go wrong with this easy to grow plant, we’ve now cultivated this beauty for nearly 30 years. Z9a
[ 8 ] → 1  ~  5–6″ cutting $19.50

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Trichocereus bridgesii SS02 (= Trichocereus sp. SS02) “Achuma”   

A favorite for over 20 years! Dense candelabra stands to 16′ tall. Blue-gray/green frosted stems up to 5″ in diameter with 5–7 ribs. Each areole bears 2–4 central spines up to 1.5″ long. The new growth on old stems is often spineless for short sections. White flowers, fat edible fruit. A distinct form, similar to plants seen around the La Paz basin of Bolivia Winter damage to our plants, slow growth the last 2 years and the high demand for this clone means that our retail stock will be limited until at least next summer, and very few cuttings will be available for some time. Z9a
[ 8 ] → 1 ~ 5–6″ cutting $25.50 SOLD
2  ~  9–10″+ cuttings $46.50* each SOLD

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Trichocereus bridgesii X Trichocereus ‘huarazensis’/scopulicola

A superb new hybrid of these desirable species. The seedlings look like short to medium spined, blue-green bridgesii with interesting scopulicola skin and rib form. Bring one home while they’re still available! Z9a
[ 4 ] → 2  ~  5-6″ plants 4 years old $28.50 each SOLD  

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Trichocereus bridgesii SS02 X Trichocereus pachanoi  ♥ New ♥ 

One of our early hybrids, made 25+ years ago. Relatively slender, blue-green stems, sparsely spined. Fattens and spines up a bit in full sun. It has been well over a decade since we’ve offered this beauty, it was apparently feeling left out as it offered itself to propagation last year when one of our large plants fell over and two tips snapped off! The plants have some superficial scarring from the fall and exposure to the seasonal elements, but are well rooted and hale. A rare chance at rooted cuttings. Z9a
1 ~ 10″ plant $38.50* SOLD 1 ~ 22″ plant $69.50**SOLD

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Trichocereus giganteus KK1094 “San Pedro” “Achuma” ♥ New ♥ 

Upright pachanoid with medium spines and dark green/bluish stems. Knize collection from Otavi, Bolivia, 10,600′. Not a valid name, Knize named many new plants during his extensive travels but then never bothered to publish. A very rare, unique and interesting cactus, whatever it may be. Seldom offered, our stock took a beating through recent winters and this is the first time cuttings have been available in a couple years. Robust cuttings have some superficial scarring from extreme weather. Z9a
[ 3 ] → 1  ~  6–7″ cutting $36.50 

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Trichocereus huanucoensis X Trichocereus sp. ‘Juul’s Giant’

A highly valued, sought after hybrid. Thick, robust stems with 4-6 rounded ribs and a few shortish spines. We’ve only offered this cross via auction until now. Only a few chunky seedlings available, get one while you can!
[ 4 ] → 1  ~  4-5″+ plant 4 years old $38.50 SOLD

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Trichocereus sp. ‘Juul’s Giant’  

We have a few small cuts of this coveted fat pachanoid that has been popular in the California Bay Area for decades. Large rounded stems to 5″+ diameter, smallish spines, white flowers, edible fruit. Our studies in Peru suggest this is closer to the true “wild” pachanoi than the common horticultural clone. Z9a
[ 3 ] → 1  ~  5″ cuttings $32.50 each SOLD    [ 3 ] → 1  ~  8–10″+ cutting $42.50* SOLD
1  ~  5.5″ by 3.5″ diameter cutting $34.50* SOLD

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Trichocereus sp. ‘Juul’s Giant’ X Trichocereus huanucoensis

A very appealing new hybrid of these coveted, robust species. 4-6+ chunky, rotund ribs and short to sparse spines, 1/8-1″ long so far. Promises to mature magnificently into upright, gorgeous, fat plants with 4-8″+ diameter stems, white flowers. This is the first offering of this exceptional chunky hybrid. Z9a
[ 6 ] → 1  ~  5″+ plant 4 years old $36.50 
[ 12 ] → 4  ~  2-3.5″+ plants 3 years old $26.50 each November Sale! 2 for $46

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Trichocereus sp. ‘Juul’s Giant’ X Trichocereus sp. ‘Kimura’s Giant’

New, much anticipated hybrid of these thick heirloom pachanoids. Should produce shortish spines, rotund stems, and hybrid vigor. We quickly sold out of the reverse cross recently, this is the first and last chance at these chunky babies. Z9a
1  ~  3.5″ plant 3 years old $29.50 SOLD

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Trichocereus sp. ‘Juul’s Giant’ X Trichocereus terscheckii/‘huarazensis’ #2  ♥ New ♥ 

Another unusual new release! The coveted pachanoid ‘Juul’s Giant’ (fat rounded stems, smallish spines, large white flowers) impregnated by a hybrid of a T. terscheckii (on the spiny pasacana-end) and T. ‘huarazensis’ (a pachanoi from central Peru), which has thick stems to 8″ diameter, numerous long yellow spines, fuzzy areoles and funnel-shaped cream colored blossoms. The children are currently fat, well armored seedlings which are sure to be extraordinary as they mature. This is our first ever offering of the awesome hybrid! Z8b/9a?
[ 4 ] → 2  ~  2-2.5″+ plants 2-3 years old $46.50 each

↑ Specimens ↑↑ Mother plant: Trichocereus sp. ‘Juul’s Giant’ ↑ ↑ Father plant: Trichocereus terscheckii/‘huarazensis’ #2 ↑

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Trichocereus pachanoi ‘Blosser’ cl. B  “San Pedro” “Huachuma”  ♥ New ♥ 

Upright, rounded, glaucus blue/green stems with sculpted, sometimes tuberculate, ribs and smallish spines to 1/2″+. Originally collected by ethnobotanist Bret Blosser from within the city of Quito, Ecuador. Shows some affinity with Peruvian clones like ‘Ogunbodode’ but is distinct. Only offered a handful of times via auction, highly esteemed and valued by collectors. We have a few extra cuts propagated to offer here, your only chance at this one until next summer. Z9a
[ 3 ] → 2  ~  6–7″ cuttings $145 each

↑ An example of a 6″+ cutting ↑↑ Mother plant ↑

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Trichocereus pachanoi ‘Huancabamba’ “Huachuma” “San Pedro”

Typical “wild” T. pachanoi, upright rounded green stems, smallish spines, white flowers. Seed from Huancabamba, northern Peru, a region long famous for its huachumeros (shamans). Widely cultivated in the area and likely represents part of the natural distribution of the species. A classic clone we’ve grown for over 2 decades. Z9a
[ 4 ] → 1  ~  15–17″+ cutting $44.50* November Sale! $42* SOLD
[ 6 ] → 2  ~  9–10″+ cuttings $29.50* each November Sale! 2 for $50* 

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Trichocereus pachanoi Kimnach et al. 2876D “San Pedro” “Huachuma”

Wild San Pedro, fat rounded ribs with dark green to blue-frosted skin and 1/4–1″+ spines, white flowers. Collected along the Cajamarca to Namora road, Cajamarca Dept., north Peru. A few nice cuts of this Myron Kimnach and friend’s accession. Another classic heirloom San Pedro clone, a real desirable beauty! Z9a
[ 6 ] → 2  ~  7–9″+ cuttings $28.50 each or 2 for $54
[ 4 ] → 2  ~  12–15″+ cuttings $39.50* each November Sale! $36.50* each

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Trichocereus pachanoi ‘Lima’ “San Pedro” “Huachuma”

Upright blue-green stems to 15’+. Rounded smooth ribs. Plants grown in full sun have relatively small spines, interestingly the plants we grow in the filtered light of our greenhouse have larger spines: 1/4–1/2″. White flowers. This is one of the clones planted as an ornamental throughout the sprawling metropolis of Lima, Peru. Similar to ‘Ogunbodode’s Matucana’ for us when grown in sun, when grown in light shade the plant consistently produces slightly larger spines—the exact opposite of many other clones. Surely one of the more attractive San Pedros. In high demand and now mostly limited to our plant auctions, we currently have some extra cuts, get one while you can. Z9a
[ 4 ] → 1  ~  9-10″+ cuttings $58.50* each ♥ New ♥

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Trichocereus pachanoi ‘Ogunbodede’s Matucana’ “San Pedro” “Huachuma”

Possibly the most coveted Sand Pedro. Upright rounded stems with small spines. Originally imported by K. Trout, reportedly from Matucana, Lima, Peru where we have observed a few T. pachanoi planted around the town. This is the clone that stood out in Ogunbodede’s study. Only available in very limited quantity each year. The demand has been absurd and we’ve only had enough to offer through our email auctions the past couple years. We currently have a few cuttings available. 
[ 6 ] → 1  ~  5-6″ cutting $120 SOLD
[ 3 ] → 1 ~  8″+ cutting $155 SOLD
1  ~  18″+ long, 2.5-3″ diameter cutting $280**  ♥ New ♥

↑ Examples of 5-6″ cuts ↑
↑ 18″+ specimen ↑

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Trichocereus pachanoi f. cristata/monstrosus cl. B  “Mutant San Pedro” “Huachuma”

A marvelous mutant clone of the beloved San Pedro cactus. Forms clumps of coral or brain-like cristate growth, often offsets monstrose branches that mutate in a variety of interesting ways. Occasionally reverts to normal growth. Each specimen is a living sculpture. Our stock was damaged a few years back and we’ve barely offered this superb mutant since then. A unique long crest with two monstrose branches — one beginning to crest and the other bifurcating. This is the only clone B available in 2024 and largest for some time. Has a bit of weathering from growing exposed outside, but should be extra hardy and is poised to show its full bizarre beauty in the coming season. Z9a
1  ~  11″+ tall, 11″ wide plant $75*  SOLD

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Trichocereus aff. pachanoi BK10508.1 “San Pedro”

A lovely and highly desirable clone with upright columns to 10’+, small spines, large white flowers, edible fruit. Common clone around Cochabamba City, central Bolivia. Looks distinct from the T. pachanoi of Peru/Ecuador, though local botanists refer to it as T. pachanoi. Possibly brought to the region during the Incan colonization of the area in the 1400s. Our collection from the base of Cerro San Pedro, about 1 mile from the Martin Cardenas Botanical Garden, near 8,500′. Growing with Puya mirabilis, Cleistocactus buchtienii, and Carica quercifolia. Also shows affinity with some riomizquensis clones. With the small spines and green to blue-gray-green stems it’s a “must have” for San Pedro collectors; it is among the very nicest pachanoids we’ve grown. Rare in captivity, we usually only have a handful of small cuts to offer each year — get a larger cutting while they’re available! Z9a
1  ~  18″+ cutting $88** SOLD
[ 4 ] → 1  ~  10-11″+ cuttings $56.50*  November Sale! $52.50*   

Plant in habitat, Cochabamba, Bolivia

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Trichocereus aff. pachanoi BK10512.11 “K’ulala” “San Pedro”

One of our favorite plants. Upright columns to 10′, dark green glossy stems 4–6″ diameter. Distinctive large white areoles, small spines to 1/4″. T. pachanoi like, but distinct from other clones we’ve seen. Planted at a home near Cuchucunata, Cochabamba, Bolivia, 8,250′. The owners called it “k’ulala”. We only offer a few cuts each year. Z9a
[ 4 ] → 2  ~  7–8″ cuttings $36.50 each November Sale! 2 for $65 
[ 2 ] → 1  ~  13-15″+ cutting $62.50*

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Trichocereus aff. pachanoi Hutchison et al 6212 “San Pedro” “Huachuma”

Upright stems to 8’+ tall and 6″ in diameter. 5–9 fat, rounded ribs and miniature spines. Sweet night blooming white flowers. A really gorgeous San Pedro that is most likely simply a distinct clone of wild T. pachanoi or santaensis. Originally collected above 8,000′ by P. Hutchison and J.K. Wright & R.M. Straw in the Canyon Rio Maranon above Chagual, just below Aricapampa, Huamachuco Prov., La Libertad Dept., Peru. For several decades this has been among our favorites! Z9a
[ 6 ] → 1  ~  8-9″ cutting $34.50 SOLD
1  ~  15″+ cutting $49.50*

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Trichocereus pachanoi X Trichocereus sp. ‘Juul’s Giant’   

One of our very first hybrids, grown from seed sprouted in 1998. The progeny are both short and long spined plants. An old favorite, we haven’t offered cuttings in years. Unfortunately, the tags have been lost with the clonal letter designations we’d distributed with cuttings years back; just know that each one is a separate, distinct clone, a unique heirloom of our early hybrid work. #1 is a rooted cutting from a mother we lost, while the rest are the actual original mother plants, the central stump the first stem which was sprouted 26+ years ago, then repeatedly cut over the years. These plants are a bit weathered, having been grown hard with the battle scars to prove it, yet are robust and healthy and ready for some fresh soil and love. Take home a living part of history! Z9a
Short spined [0.1–0.25″ long] –
#1) 24″ tall, 2–3″diameter, rooted cutting $77**  SOLD!
#2) 26″+ tall, 3″ diameter, original mother plant $125** SOLD!
Long spined –
#3) 34″+ tall, 3–4″ diameter, original mother plant [0.5–1″ spines] $166**  SOLD!
#4) 40″+ tall with 21″ side branch, 3–4″+ diameter, original mother plant [0.5–1.5″ spines] 225**  SOLD!

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Trichocereus pachanoi Kimnach et al. 2876D X Trichocereus chiloensis

First offering of this admirable new hybrid. Crosses with the aesthetically handsome T. chiloensis are revealing themselves to be some of our favorite hybrids. Chunky seedlings that seem to be increasing in girth rather than height so far. These will mature into something special. Z9a
[ 6 ] → 2  ~  2-2.5″+ plants 3 years old $16.50 each ♥ New ♥

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Trichocereus pachanoi X Trichocereus pasacana ‘Dawsons’

Very cool new hybrid of San Pedro with the giant T. pasacana— so far the seedlings show a wonderful diversity of unique spination and form; from long to shortish spined and some even appear to be leaning towards monstrose-ness. We’re very excited to see how these mature. Truly, a “must have” hybrid for any devoted collector. You can let us know if you prefer longer or shorter spined plants from what’s available. Z8/9?
[ 12 ] → 2 ~  2.5-3.5″ plants 3-4 years old $18.50 each

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Trichocereus pachanoi f. monstrosus X Trichocereus bridgesii

A solid hybrid of these two beloved species. A nice intermediate of both, medium to long spines, about 10% show mutant growth so far and more are sure to do so as they age. The plants we offer here are currently non-monstrose seedlings, yet may grow mutant with maturity. Z9a
[ 6 ] → 2  ~  3–4″+ plants 3+ years old $16.50 each 
1  ~  7″+ plant [long spines] 3+ years old $22.50  ♥ New ♥

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Trichocereus pasacana BK151014.9 “Pasacana” “Cardon Santos”

Fat specimens to 20′ bristling with long stout spines, large white day blooming flowers, followed by edible fruits known as “pasacana.” Our accession of this magnificent giant from near the Incan outpost of Tilcara, Jujuy, Argentina, 8000′. Considered a “holy” cactus. Ashes of the fruits, seeds and flowers are known to be used in special “llipta” mixtures, lime preparations that are chewed with coca (Erythroxylum species) leaves. A diverse and adaptable cold hardy species. The very last of this accession we have to sell, get seedlings while you can. Z8a 
[ 6 ] → 1  ~  1–1.5″+ diameter plant 3 years old $16.50 SOLD

Plants in habitat, Tilcara, Jujuy, Argentina

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Trichocereus peruvianus ‘Osmo’ X Trichocereus bridgesii ‘Reynolds’

Gorgeous new hybrid with blue stems and long reddish to blackish spines. The spination on many of these really stands out! The last of these we have to offer. Z9a
[ 2 ] → 1  ~  4″+ plant 3 years old $17.50  

An example of a spiny seedling

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Trichocereus santaensis BK09511.7 “Huachuma” “San Pedro” ♥ New ♥

This beautiful plant has become legendary and highly coveted by collectors. Green to blue-green epidermis, small spines less than 1/8” to 1/4” long. Stems to 10’ tall. Originally growing with Schinus molle, Baccharis sp., Cylindropuntia sp., and Bidens sp, just above the floodplains on the west side of the Santa River, at the base of the Cordillera Negra, to the north of Puente Choquechaca, Ancash, Perú, 7250’. Our field bioassay suggests great promise. Our stock took damage the last few winters and we’ve not been able to propagate enough to keep up with demand—so now it is typically only available once or twice a year via auction. Get a cutting while you can! Z9a
[ 3 ] → 1  ~  5–6″ cutting $130

↑ Mother plant in bloom ↑↑ An example of a 5-6″ cutting ↑

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Trichocereus SS01/Juul’s Giant X Trichocereus sp. BK09509.2

SS01 X Juul’s Giant is an old hybrid of ours, in this case an upright, short spined clone which was crossed with our fabled accession BK09509.2 from near the ancient temple of Chavin de Huantar in Peru. First offering of this superb cross! Z9a
[ 6 ] → 3  ~  3-4″+ plants 3+ years old $22.50 each November Sale! $18.50 each or 3 for $46  ♥ New ♥

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Trichocereus sp. BK08601.1 “Hawakolla”  ♥ New ♥

Gorgeous arborescent species to to 15+ tall. Regular branching up high on the thick dark green stems, 6″+ diameter. Strongly notched areoles. Numerous golden to grey spines, up to 2′”. White flowers. From a huge patch, occurring almost down to the water, north side Isla del Sol, Lake Titicaca, Bolivia, 12,500+; growing alongside Polylepis incarum trees near the most important pukyo in Andean cosmology: the sacred progenitor spring from which the first ancestors emerged… Looks to be planted, we also saw specimens at the square in Copacabana. Signs of regular harvesting. The Aymara curandero, Lucio Ticona, says it can be used “like achuma”, but is “different” in effect. Locals report a slice of stem is placed on the outside of the cheek for toothache. Possibly a new species or subspecies. The plants definitely show some affinity with T. cuzcoensis, yet the spination, ribs, girth and overall habit is very distinct. The plant also looks similar to the cultivated ‘Kimura’s Spiny Giant’ in the US. Coveted by collectors since we first introduced it to the US in 2008, we only offer this mysterious beauty occasionally. Z8b?
[ 2 ] → 1  ~  6–7″ cutting $69.50

↑ Plants in habitat, Isla del Sol, Lake Titicaca, Bolivia ↑

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Trichocereus sp. ‘Tammy’

Robust, upright stems to 3–6″ diameter, green to blue frosted in partial sahde. 1/4–1″+ spines. White flowers, sweet fruit. Salvaged from an old stand in Tammy’s yard near Oakland, CA. An attractive plant that looks like an extra fat “wild” T. pachanoi as seen in Ecuador and northern Peru, but without clear providence we’ll leave it as ‘sp’. A few large cuttings. Z9a
[ 3 ] → 1  ~  13-15″+ long, 3.5″+ diameter cutting $55* SOLD
1  ~  20″+ long, 3.5″+ diameter cutting $69.50** ♥ New ♥

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Trichocereus sp. Torres & Torres

Dark green upright stems to 12’+ in height and 6″+ in diameter. Small, stout, amber colored spines. Odd, smallish white flowers. Unusual plant similar to T. pachanoi and some forms of T. macrogonus. Collected and favored by archaeologist Manuel Torres & his wife Donna in the arid northern part of central Chile, near 9400′. We’ve offered this lovely heirloom clone for over 25 years now. Z9a
[ 6 ] → 2  ~  10–12″+ cuttings $30.50* each November Sale! 2 for $48.50*

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Trichocereus tulhuayacensis KK337 X T. peruvianus/ ‘Juul’s Giant’ hybrid f. monstrosus

A thrilling new hybrid. The spiny magenta flowered tulhuayacensis impregnated by the large blue-green peruvianus/Juul’s mutant. The monstrose/cristate genes, colored flowers, and exceptional spines should combine in unexpected and novel ways. Attractive seedlings (with their mother’s black to red or gold new spines) that show ‘normal‘ growth so far, but may mature into mutation. We have a few more up to an offerable size, get ’em while you can! [See the Plant Auction for a monstrose plant.] Z8b/9a?
[ 9 ] → 2  ~  2.5-4″+ plants 3+ years old $38.50 each November Sale! $36 each; or 2 for $62  ♥ New ♥

↑ Examples of seedling variation, normal and monstrose ↑↑ Parent plants ↑↑ Examples of monstrose seedling diversity ↑↑ Mutant seedling examples of this super hybrid [sold or not for sale] ↑
↑ See the Plant Auction for availability ↑

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Furcraea and Peperomia spp. growing in Anadenathera understory among ancient ruins,
Pasto Grande, Yungas, Bolivia

 

Other Succulents & Xerophytes

 

Agave cordillerensis NL52409a  “Llacay Blanco”

Agavaceae. Clustering rosettes to 6’+. Leaves gray-blue with darker banding and toothed margins. Flower stalks to 20′ with curved or sometimes looped branches, yellow flowers. For decades botanists dismissed this Andean agave as introduced A. americana — until Guillermo Pino redescribed it as its own distinct species based on its different leaves, stoloniferous propensity, radically different flower stalks and fruit form. A beautiful, hardy and versatile species used for its leaf fibers. Widely planted as impenetrable hedgerows to fence in livestock, demarcate fields and act as a living firebreak. Unknown in cultivation outside the Andes. N. Logan collection; Luribay, Bolivia, 8,000′. A key Trichocereus companion, a must have for collectors! Z8b/9a
[ 6 ] → 4  ~  3″+ plants 2-3 years old $15.50 each or 2 for $28.50 

↑ Planted hedgerows, Luribay, Bolivia ↑↑ Specimens in Ancash, Peru ↑↑ Apurimac, Cusco Dept., Peru ↑

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Agave difformis “Xixi”   ♥ New ♥

An attractive and unusual smaller species that is rarely seen. Freely clustering rosettes to 2′ with slender polymorphic yellow green leaves, varying from straight to hypnotically wavy, toothed to unarmed, sometimes with a silver central stripe and rust-colored striations. 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. We have a few lovely older specimens, long underpotted and ready for your attention! Z8b?
[ 4 ] → 2 ~ 15–20″+ plants 14 years old $38.50** each November Sale! $35.50** each

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Aloe marlothii “Mokgopha”

Liliaceae or Aloaceae. Forms a small tree up to 20′ tall. Rosettes of green to reddish leaves with impressive red thorns and horizontal racemes of showy amber yellow flowers. In addition to this Aloe being a source of the unrivaled laxative Cape aloes, and a common medicine for stomach troubles, the dried and powdered leaves are popular among natives as an admixture to psychoactive snuffs. Drought hardy and simple to care for, mature plants tolerates mild frost. Makes a bold landscape plant or potted specimen. A few plants long underpotted and ready for your care. Z9a–b 
[ 4 ] → 2  ~  4–8″ plants 4+ years old $12.50 each

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Apodanthera sagittifolia  ♥ New ♥

Cucurbitaceae. From a large underground caudex grows annual trailing vines to 2-6’+ with attractive arrow shaped leaves. Small yellow flowers and 2″ fuzzy oval fruit. Seed from Pehuen, Cordoba, Argentina. The fruit is said to be sweet but inedible? A rarity almost unknown in cultivation and a must for caudex collectors. Easy to grow and highly drought tolerant. The last time we’ll have this species to offer! Z9b
2  ~  Plants 8+ years old $24.50 each or 2 for $45

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Barbaceniopsis vargasiana BK14513.4

Velloziaceae. Dense clusters of slender, stiff, leaves to 3″, forming mats to several feet across. Leaves are dark green with moisture but turn a dark purple-gray/brown in the dry season. Star-shaped pale pink flowers held on slender stems above the plant. Dry rocky slopes above the Apurimac River, Peru, near 6000′. A very cool mini mounding member of this unique plant family! Should be extremely drought hardy when established. Will do well in any succulent collection, consider planting it at the base of your columnar cacti. Last plant available for the foreseeable future! Z9b? 
[ 4 ] → 1  ~  5+ plant 5+ years old $22.50

↑ Habitat above the Apurimac, Peru [Barbaceniopsis is the purple-brown grass-like mounds] ↑

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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. This bulb has a long and extensive history of visionary ethnobotanical use. Applied externally for skin diseases and wound healing. Weak decoctions are said to be an effective sedative. An arrow poison was made from the bulb mixed with Euphorbia latex. The plant is still sometimes utilized as a hallucinogen for divination, overdose is often fatal. Slow growing, usually flowering after 6–10+ years from seed. In the wild plants have been found with bulbs over 12″ in diameter believed to be over a century old! Does best with a well draining soil, at least 50% pumice. They usually stay dormant until mid-summer. Water regularly when in leaf, dry while dormant. Cultivation is said to ward off bad dreams and bring good luck. Z9b
[ 4 ] → 1  ~  Bulb 5+ years old $28.50 SOLD

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About Burseraceae: Genus Boswellia, Bursera, Commiphora

Xerophytic, drought deciduous small shrubs to large trees, many of which are caudiciform and have thick succulent trunks and stems. Limbs contain resin ducts filled with aromatic triterpenes and ethereal oils. When punctured the ducts ooze sap, which when dried is known as Frankincense (Boswellia), Copal (Bursera) and Myrrh (Commiphora) and has an extensive history of religious and medicinal usage. The wood of a South American Bursera is sacred, known as Palo Santo. Boswellia and Commiphora are African and Indian genera while Bursera is primarily a Mexican genus with several species ranging into northern South America, and extreme southern United States. In cultivation they adapt well to bonsai culture, are easily trained and grown into striking specimens. In larger pots they respond to the extra root room, growing to become a large bush. They prefer bright light, a rich well drained soil mix with plenty of mineral grit (40–75% pumice or perlite) to accommodate their often tuberous roots, regular watering and feeding during warm weather, and a dry winter rest. Protect from frost. Very easy and rewarding plants to grow, wonderful to have around, especially for their magical presence and the spicy balsam scents they give off when handled. We propagate many rare species, inquire or see our periodic auctions.

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Boswellia neglecta “Neglected Frankincense”  ♥ New ♥

Burseraceae. Small pachycaul tree to 10-20′. Fat ‘elephant-leg’ trunks with gray bark. Beautiful, slender pinnate leaves, drought deciduous. Rich in aromatic medicinal oils. Native to the dry forests of eastern Africa. Rare in cultivation, but relatively easy to grow if given warmth, strong light and a dry winter rest. With its squat, caudex-like trunk and many branches, this is an ideal Frankincense for bonsai and one of the easier to care for. Most Boswellia seed have low germination rates, so seedlings such as these are scarce. Beginning to defoliate for winter dormancy. Z10a/b
[ 4 ] → 1 ~ 5″+ treelet 2–3 years old $54.50

↑ An example of a treelet ↑Trunk of mature specimen

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Bursera fagaroides “Copal”   

Burseraceae. A really wonderful plant. Shrub or small tree to 20′. Thick swollen trunks and limbs with smooth golden bark that exfoliates in thin papery sheets. Pinnate leaves, tiny flowers followed by purple green berries. Widespread throughout the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts of Mexico. The sap is the most common source of Copal, highly aromatic with a sweet citrus like scent. Dormant much of the year, leafing out only with the onset of hot weather. They defoliate in autumn with an attractive display as the leaves change to yellow, orange and red. A few nice seedlings forming swollen trunks, beginning to defoliate for winter dormancy.. Easy to grow and highly rewarding. [See the Plant Auction for a choice older specimen]. Z10a
[ 3 ] → 1  ~  12-15″+ treelet 3 years old $22.50  ♥ New ♥

↑ The oldest Bursera fagaroides in our collection, demonstrating the beauty of form & bark ↑

Bursera fagaroides scanned at St. Lawrence University’s Microscopy & Imagery Center, from Microcosms: A Homage to Sacred Plants of the Americas (https://www.microcosmssacredplants.org/), used with the permission of Jill Pflugheber & Steven F. White, © 2023.

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Bursera microphylla “Copal Oro” “Torote Blanco” “Xoop” ♥ New ♥

Shrub or low branched tree with thick contorted trunks and tuberous, caudex-like roots. Young branches are red-brown, bark of older limbs turns whitish yellow to bronze gold, peeling in papery flakes. Thin pinnate leaves. Intoxicatingly aromatic sap, known to squirt from the branches when handled during hot weather. Grows in isolated areas of southeast California, southwest Arizona, western Sonora and most of Baja. US populations are considered at risk. The Seri knew the tree to have a powerful spirit, it featured prominently in religious practices. During vision quests they would fast for 4 days often drinking only tea made from the branches. Leaves, twigs and fruits have many medicinal purposes, twig tea being a particularly effective disinfectant. Source of gold Copal incense. The inner bark was made into a face paint, said to bleach a person’s skin white with continued use. A great natural bonsai, easy to grow. Mature plants tolerate mild frost. Beginning to defoliate for winter dormancy. Z9b
[ 4 ] → 1  ~  6–8″+ treelet 2+ years old $27.50

↑ Plants in habitat, Baja Sur ↑

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Bursera odorata “Torote Blanco” “Copal” ♥ New ♥

One of the smaller Copal species, usually a dwarf tree under 10′. Swollen caudiciform trunk with golden peeling bark. Drought deciduous pinnate leaves, small yellow flowers. Mountain to coastal dry forest, Baja and mainland Mexico. The sap is very aromatic with a sweet-balsam odor. Easy to grow, succulent soil. The perfect species for bonsai. Beginning to defoliate for winter dormancy. Z10a
[ 5 ] → 2  ~  5–6″+ treelets 2 years old $20.50 each

↑ Plant in habitat, Baja Sur ↑

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Dermobotrys saundersii   

Scrophulariaceae. For your succulent collection—an unbelievably cool and showy plant with edible fruit! Epiphytic, multi-branched, pachycaul shrublet to 2’+. Semi-succulent, drought deciduous leaves. A profusion of 2″+ pendant tubular red flowers with yellow interiors adorn the branch ends. 1.5″+ ovate shaped edible green fruit with delicious fruity figgy pulp. Endangered species from the dry coastal forests of South Africa and Madagascar. This unique species does well for us grown in 50% pumice in partial shade and treated like a succulent. Z9b/10a
[ 2 ] → 1 ~ 7–8″ plant 2–3 year old $24.50 SOLD
1  ~  6″ plant 2–3 year old $22.50  ♥ New ♥

Mother plant in bloom

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Deuterocohnia longipetala

Bromeliaceae. Puya-like multiheaded mounds to 2–4′ made up of rosettes of recurved, toothed, silver leaves. Erect branched inflorescence with tubular yellow flowers. Seed from the dry valleys of northern Peru where it occurs up to 5000′. A beautiful pineapple relative and good Trichocereus companion. Sun and drought hardy. Z9b
[ 8 ] → 4  ~  3–4″+ plants 5+ years old $11.50 each November Sale! 2 for $19.50

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Dioscorea sylvatica

Dioscoreaceae. A South African yam species that forms an attractive smooth woody caudex, sometimes branched or lobed. Annual, thin twining vines and lovely heart shaped leaves. Decoctions of the caudex are used for chest conditions, as a blood purifier and ritual emetic. Used topically for rashes and swelling. A significant source of diosgenin that was once used for synthesizing birth control pills. This plant responds well to cultivation and makes an easy and unusual houseplant. Regular succulent care and dry winter rest. Z9a
[ 3 ] → 2  ~  Plants with 1.5-2″+ caudex, 4 years old $18.50 each

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Erythrina flabelliformis ‘Skeleton Canyon’ “Chilicote” Colorin”

Fabaceae. Pachycaul tree 10–30’+. Beautiful, smooth grey bark with striations of white and green. Deciduous trifoliate leaves and spined stems. Many flowered racemes of brilliant bright red flowers in the Spring. Red to orange or yellow seeds. Restricted areas of southern Arizona, new Mexico and remnant dry forest throughout northern Mexico and Baja. Seed from Skeleton Canyon, Hidalgo Co., NM. The seeds are often used in jewelry, though they are quite toxic. Small amounts are used medicinally. There is speculation that the seeds may have once been used as a psychoactive additive to maize beers by the Chiricahua Apache. Makes a great bonsai to grow alongside your Bursera and other caudiciform succulents. Z9b/10a
[ 6 ] → 2  ~  6″ plants 3+ years old $14.50 each or 2 for $24

Erythrina flabelliformis ‘Santa Rita Mountains’

Seed from the biodiverse Santa Rita Mountains, Arizona. 
[ 6 ] → 2  ~  6″ plants 3+ years old $14.50 each or 2 for $24

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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 oddity has a long history as an important food and water source for the tribal people of South Africa and has 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. Easily grown and a favorite among caudiciphiles. Tolerant of mild frost if well mulched. Nice specimens that have been underpotted for years, encouraging unique root/caudex form. Z9b 
[ 4 ] → 1  ~  Plant with 5-6″+ tall, 1″+ diameter caudex, 7+ years old $32.50

A similar specimen example [not the specimen on offer]

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Geissorhiza corrugata

Iridaceae. Dwarf bulb with very cute, blue-green, spirally curled slender leaves to 2″+. Lovely, bright yellow crocus-like flowers. Shale slopes, Roggeveld Center, South Africa. Winter grower, give it gritty soil and dry summer rest. Bright sun for maximum leaf curliness! Z8a 
[ 9 ] → 6  ~  Plants/bulbs 4+ years old $12.50 each November Sale! 3 for $29.50

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Hechtia macdougalii?  ♥ New ♥

Bromeliaceae. A beautiful terrestrial bromeliad. Relatively small, 1-2′ rosettes of stiff, recurved, green to yellow-green leaves that turn a deep rust color in bright light. Slight silver striations on the underside of the leaves. Short marginal spines. Branched inflorescence with dozens of reddish flowers—unusual and showy for the genus. A new species from Nizanda, Oaxaca, Mexico. Easy to grow and highly drought tolerant. Makes a gorgeous container specimen. Cold tolerance untested. Z9b–10a?
[ 3 ] → 1  ~  6–8″+ plant 8+ years old $22.50 

A larger specimen example [not the specimens on offer]

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Hechtia sp. ‘Rio Zapotitlan’

Lovely terrestrial pineapple-relative. Rosettes of highly attractive, long, recurved, deep green leaves with silver flecking; takes on red and purple coloration in strong light. Large, curved, reddish marginal spines. Seed from Puebla, Mexico. An attractive unidentified plant–possibly a new species. Good companion for columnar cacti. Z9b/10a?
[ 6 ] → 4  ~  3–4″+ plants 4+ years old $12.50 each 

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Ipomoea pubescens BK08518.9

Convolvulaceae. Perennial caudiciform roots, annual vine to 6’+. Furry trilobed leaves. Shiny, deep blue morning glory blossoms. Our collection, Pisac, Cusco, Peru, near 10,000′. Sparsely distributed from Mexico to Argentina. This is the first introduction of genetics from the Andes into cultivation. Should be hardy if well mulched. The last plants we have to offer of this wonderful species. Z9a?
[ 4 ] → 2  ~  Plants with 2″+ caudex, 5 years old $24.50 each or 2 for $45

Caudex of mature plant

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Jacaratia corumbensis “Cipoy”  ♥ New ♥

Caricaceae. An awesome edible pachycaul shrub to small tree, 3–10’+ tall, with a bloated caudex base to 12″+ diameter that tapers to a slender trunk. The branches develop odd swollen nodes where they connect to the main stem. Forms huge tuberous roots up to several feet thick, reported as weighing up to 500+ pounds! Drought deciduous, digitately compound leaves. Small, dioecious, green/white flowers; edible, miniature papaya-like fruit to 1–3″, turning yellow to orange-pink with red stripes when ripe. Known from the dry forests of northern Argentina, south-east Bolivia, south-west Brazil, and Paraguay. The fruit is cooked as a vegetable, green or ripe. The tuberous roots are reportedly edible raw. Treat similar to Burseraceae in cultivation—a deep pot, succulent soil mix, and a dry winter rest. Easily bonsaid, as the plant matures it can be lifted and the large bulging roots partially exposed for their esthetic allure. Very drought hardy, protect from frost. Unsexed seedlings already forming fat little caudexes. Z10a
[ 5 ] → 2  ~  4″+ plants 2+ years old $22.50 each or 2 for $42

↑ Caudex base of older specimens ↑ ↑ Jacaratia flowers & fruit — mini-papaya! ↑

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Lachenalia kliprandensis

Hyacinthaceae. A perennial geophytic bulb which annually produces 2 flattened ovate leaves with brown-purple or dark green pustules on the surface. Flower spikes to 6″ clothed in lovely white and magenta flowers. This South African species is endemic to estern Namaqualand, known from only a few locales where it grows in red sand. Easy and rewarding—succulent care; a winter grower that needs a dry summer rest. Z8a .
[ 8 ] → 2  ~  Bulbs 3–4 years old $14.50 each

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Nolina durangensis “Durango Bear Grass”

Agavaceae. Very rare Yucca relative with a thickened caudex-like base and several trunks topped with long, slender stiff leaves. Inflorescence with cream colored flowers. Upper elevation Sierra Madre, Durango, Mexico. A unique and wonderful species. Drought and cold hardy. Z8a
[ 4 ] → 2  ~  24″+ plants 10+ years old $38.50** each

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Nolina hibernica “Bear Grass Tree”

Robust arborescent species 6–20′ tall. Rounded terminal rosette of stiff bright green leaves tipped with twisted rugged fibers. Inflorescence 4–8′ high with white flowers. Native to the high mountain pine forests of Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas, Mexico, 8,000–10,500’+. This fantastic cold hardy plant is rare in captivity and will make and excellent landscape specimen with age. Z8a
[ 8 ] →  4  ~  Plants 7+ years old $14.50 each November Sale! 2 for $25.50

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Operculicarya decaryi “Madagascar Elephant Tree”  ♥ New ♥

Anacardiaceae. Dioecious pachycaul-caudiciform tree to 20′ with a warty swollen trunk and zi-zag branches. Lovely pinnate leaves with tiny shiny leaflets that turn purple-red in sun or cold. Drought deciduous. Tiny reddish flowers. Toliara, Madagascar. A gorgeous species ideal for bonsai, the roots can be lifted for added aesthetics. Easy to grow, succulent culture, bright light, well draining soil. Mature plants can survive mild frost. One lovely plant well on its way to becoming a coveted bonsai specimen. Z9b
1  ~  18″ tall treelet, with an 18″+ canopy spread; 1/2–3/4″ thick by 5″+ tall trunk, and 2.5″+ of caudiciform roots, $58.50*

↑ Specimen on offer ↑Example of an older mother plant [not the specimen on offer]

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Oxalis sp. BK14514.9 — see the Andean Ethnbotanicals section ↓

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About the genus Peperomia

Piperaceae. Huge tropical and subtropical genus of well over 1000 species, most occur in Central and South America. Close kin to such notables as common black-pepper and kava-kava. Typically small plants, many of which are succulent, with a shocking and joyous diversity of morphological expression. With a few exceptions, the resplendent beauty of these plants is in their exceptional gem-like leaf forms rather than their slender flower spikes. Peperomia are vital to Andean ethnomedicine and ceremony. Their wondrous aromas and flavors when crushed or chewed, etherial combinations of balsam, lemon, mint and safrole, are a revelation. Used traditionally for wound healing, digestive health, as painkillers, psychoactive tranquilizers, condiments, to freshen breath, to make chicha and to ceremonially “cleanse and flower subtle energies”. Their complex essential oils and other compounds have passed the approval of those high priests of modern culture: the white lab coated scientist, and shown significant antibiotic, antiparasitic and wound healing actions in controlled laboratory studies. Other than a few Peperomia popular as common houseplants, most species and their beneficial nature are unknown outside their native habitats. Thanks to the encouragement of police colonel/plastic-surgeon/linguist/ethnobotanist and Peperomia expert, Guillermo Pino, we have become inspired by these marvelous plants. We are propagating a diversity of rare species which will be available for distribution in the future. All are very easy and quick to root from cuttings. Peperomia are natural companion plants to Trichocereus cacti.

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Peperomia boivini  ♥ New ♥

A handsome trailing species with stems to over 12″ long. Whorls of thick, coin-like, succulent, green leaves. Large lime colored flower spikes. Rare endemic of the Comoros Islands, northwest of Madagascar. Great as a houseplant or in hanging baskets. Unrooted cuttings root easily. Z10a
[ 6 ] → 2  ~  5–6″ cuttings $15.50 each November Sale! $12.50 each

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Peperomia congona ‘GP’ “Congona” 

Relatively large species, upright stems 12–24″+ tall with whorls of succulent leaves. Known only as a cultivar, it has never been found in the wild. Primarily grown in home gardens and esteemed for its medicinal properties from Columbia to Argentina. The Spanish Missionary Bernabe Cobo mentioned the value of the plant in the 1600s. In 1778 Hipolito Ruiz recorded it was cultivated throughout Lima, Peru for its fragrance. The whole plant is used topically for wound healing. Crushed or chewed it has a mildly sweet cinnamon-citrus scent and flavor. Leaves are chewed daily to freshen breath and keep teeth healthy. Leaf infusion is used as a sedative and painkiller. The Kallawaya, famous traveling herbalists of Bolivia, recommend it for stomach complaints and press the juice from a leaf heated with a match for earache and eye troubles. Curanderos of northern Peru make use of the plant for heart conditions, anxiety and shamanically to “ease emotional pain and forget bad relationships.” The Chachapoyas people regularly enjoy a tea of the plant yet caution that drinking too much “might just cause you to lose your memory…” In Loja, Ecuador it is used to flavor a horchata drink. The Spanish introduced it to the Canary Islands at some point, it is currently cultivated there and known as “canelo”, being used as a spice and condiment. Since the 1950s it was considered a synonym of P. inaequalifolia, a mistake that has only recently been corrected. The 2 species are distinct and now recognized as such. Despite being a domesticate with a long history of use, this plant has not been well studied. Easily grown in a sunny window. A preferred clone of this mysterious ancient cultivar, G. Pino’s collection from the medicinal plant markets of Peru. Z9b 
[ 6 ] → 1  ~  6-8″+ cutting $24.50

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Peperomia dolabriformis v. multicaulis GP1909 “Congona” ♥ New ♥

Beautiful, upright, heavily branching succulent species 12–24″ tall. Thick handsome leaves, pleasantly aromatic when crushed. Yellow flower spikes. Seed of this relatively new varietal collected by G. Pino in Cajamarca Dept., San Marcos Prov., Peru. Road from San Marcos to Cajabamba, near La Grama, 7100′. Used as a topical painkiller and anti-inflammatory. This distinct, larger growing species is easy to grow but dislikes cold. Z10a
[ 3 ] → 1  ~  4–5″ cutting $22.50

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Peperomia galioides v. glauca? BK10509.9 “Congona Macho” ♥ New ♥

Clusters of succulent stems to 6″+. Whorls of small glaucus blue to grey-green leaves. Yellow flower spikes. Seed collected from plants growing with Trichocereus totorensis, Cheilanthes sp., and Adiantum sp., on the walls of the remote Incan site of Inkallajta, situated at the confluence of 2 streams (a “tinku”) in remnant Polylepis lanata and Escallonia resinosa forest, Cochabamba, Bolivia, 10,000′. When crushed it has a superb balsam/citrus/mint scent and flavor, one of the best! P. galioides is said to be the most important medicinal Peperomia species by Pino, used for “everything”- an effective painkiller, a compress for wound healing, a calming sedative, even for hair loss! The plant contains quinones, sesquiterpenes and over 70 other compounds in the essential oil including limonene, eugenol, safrole, etc. Extracts have shown to be effective against staph infection and the deadly chagas and leishmaniasis parasites. Easy to grow, the perfect Trichocereus companion plant. Roots easily from cuttings. Regrows from roots after hard frost. Unrooted cuts from clone B. Z9a/b
[ 5 ] → 2  ~  4–5″+ cuttings $19.50 each

Mother plant with upper stems senescing yellow after flowering/seeding  
Inkallajta, Cochabamba, BoliviaPeperomia galioides v. glauca habitat, Inkallajta, Cochabamba, Bolivia

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Peperomia inaequalifolia BK09512.5 “Congonita”

Small upright plants to just 3–5″+ high, spreading by rhizomes. Reddish stems and whorls of small pointed succulent leaves, lime to yellow green in color. Has an energizing and refreshing balsam-lemon scent when crushed, a personal favorite. Many medicinal uses like P. galioides; in northern Peru it is smoked or added to food for forgetting emotional pain and strengthening the heart. Our accession from remnant high Andean forest in the Cordillera Blanca; growing amongst boulders and Polylepis weberbaueri trees along with Peperomia hartwegiana, Matucana sp. Tillandsia sp., Puya sp., Pernettya prostrata, Gaultheria brachybotrus, and Berberis sp., Ancash Dept., Peru, 13,000′. Will regrow from rhizomes after frost — the more well mulched, the colder the freezes the plant will survive and regenerate from. These are the biggest cuttings we’ve offered of this diminutive beauty. Z9a or below
[ 6 ] → 2  ~  4-5″+ cuttings $22.50 each 

Peperomia inaequalifolia habitat, Polylepis weberbaueri forest, Ancash Dept., PeruPeperomia inaequalifolia growing with Matucana sp., Ancash Dept., Peru

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Peperomia aff. lanuginosa BK14513.7  ♥ New ♥

1–4″+ tall succulent. Densely arranged, rounded, slightly furry leaves, dark green to green-blue with lighter veination and red backsides. The attractive, net-like leaf veination really stands out under certain conditions. Yellow inflorescence to 6–10″. Growing on steep embankments and moss covered rocks in the shade of shrubs, dry forest above the Apurimac, near Santa Rosa, Cusco Dept., Peru, 6800′. Overall more compact and diminutive than P. lanuginosa. Pino thinks it is a distinct species, possibly new. We’ve only offered this delightful dwarf a couple times pre-pandemic. Cuttings from several seed grown clones. Hardiness untested. Z9b/10a
[ 4 ] → 1  ~  3–4″ cutting $22.50

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Peperomia nivalis “Empanadilla”  ♥ New ♥

Low growing, jewel-like succulent 2–6″ high, trailing rhizomatic stems 6–24″+ long. Lime green leaves, “like little empanadas”, with a windowed upper surface. Leaves and stems take on reddish to yellow hues in strong light. Green flower spikes. A unique lithophyte that occurs throughout the central Andes. The entire plant has an intense balsamy-mint scent when crushed. Leaf juice is used for eye problems and topically for stomach pains. Regular succulent care; regrows from the rhizomes after frost. Rare in cultivation, a great ally plant to grow at the base of your columnar cactus. Cuttings from varied seed grown clones. Will regrow from rhizomes after frost. Z9a
[ 4 ] → 2  ~  3–5″+ cuttings $19.50 each 

↑ P. nivalis in cliffside habitat, Ollantaytambo, Cusco Dept., Perú ↑

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Pilea serpyllacea BK10425.1 “Kaka uvas uvas”

Urticaceae. 2–6″+ succulent with densely packed miniature round leaves that turn bright red in sunlight. The backs of the leaves are like a clear window. Grows on exposed rocks throughout the highlands of Cusco. Often seen as a nurse or companion plant to young Trichocereus cacti. Surely one of the most unique plants in the nettle family! Used as a tea for urinary and kidney health, the small leaves are eaten by children in the Andes as “tiny grapes” — our daughters even love to snack on them! Seed collected from plants growing on bare rocks, Cusco Dept, Peru, 9,300′. Easy to grow in a sunny window, or as a companion at the base of your columnar cacti, regular succulent care. First time offering ‘large’ plants. Z9b
[ 5] → 2  ~  3-4″+ plants 3 years old $17.50 each or 2 for $33 
[ 10 ] → 2  ~  6-7″+ multibranched plants 3+ years old $22.50 each 

Pilea in habitat, PeruPilea growing as a pot companion

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About the genus Puya

Bromeliaceae. Xerophytic pineapple relatives from Central and South America with swirled rosettes of silver to green, slender, toothed leaves. The 150+ species vary in size from small plants to tree like giants. The stunning flower stalks often bear blossoms of unusual colors: metallic greens, blues and yellows. Puya are pollinated by hummingbirds and other nectar drinkers, which are drawn en-masse to the blossoms. Spectacled bears (Tremarctos ornatus) are known to particularly relish the heart of the plants. Rather than choosing dwarfism as most plants do at high altitudes, Puya erupt to giant sizes, the largest and loftiest species, P. raimondii, reaching nearly 40′ tall at elevations of 15,000′! Forests of this strange sentinel of the heavens were once widespread, but its realm is now reduced by man to small scattered populations in the remote high Andes of Peru and Bolivia. Puya species are used for their leaf fibers, wound healing qualities and magical purposes. Around Cusco, Peru the flowers stalks are burned to make “llipta” for coca chewing. Easy and often fast growing. Great landscape plants, can be grown as a living fence. Extremely drought hardy, one of the few genera that endure underpotting for a over a decade and resume growth almost immediately when potted up or out. Many species are tolerant of cold and high rainfall and make excellent, natural companion plants to Trichocereus cacti.

Puya herzogii flower stalk, Cochabamba, Bolivia

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Puya dyckioides “Chaguar”

2–3′ rosettes of thin, arching, lightly serrated leaves. Extremely showy bipinnate inflorescence 2–3’+ long with bright pinkish bracts and metallic aquamarine blossoms. Native to southern Bolivia and northern Argentina, between 4300–11,000’+. One of the more friendly and attractive species. Grows quickly when potted up or out. Z8a/b
[ 9 ] → 3  ~  3-4″+ plants 3+ years old $12.50 each or 2 for $24

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Puya harmsii  ♥ New ♥

An awesome species with large clusters of Agave-like rosettes of frosted white leaves. Branched inflorescence to 7’+ with velvety black flowers tinged blue. Found on arid slopes up to 8300′, north western Argentina. Z8b/9a?
[ 4 ] → 2  ~  3″+ plants 3 years old $13.50 each or 2 for $25

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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. Found growing with Trichocereus aff. pachanoi BK10508.1, Cleistocacus buchtienii, and Carica quercifolia at the base of Cerro San Pedro, Cochabamba, Bolivia. Tadeo Haenke wrote in 1795 that Puya was used to treat syphilis here. An easy to grow and rewarding species. Grows quickly when potted up or out. Z9a/b?
[ 4 ] → 2  ~  3-4″+ Plants 4-5 years old $13.50 each 

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Puya sp. BK10504.2  ♥ New ♥

Seed grown accession; the mother plants had rosettes to 18″ across with serrated, broad silver leaves with a red blush. 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, Ephedra americana, Prosopis sp., Carica quercifolia, Corryocactus melanotrichus, Echinopsis bridgesii, etc., on the slopes above Huachjilla, La Paz, Bolivia, near 11,500′. Attractive plants, long underpotted — ready for fresh soil and rapid growth. Should be cold tolerant. Z8/9?
[ 4 ] → 3  ~  3–5″+ plants 6+ years old $15.50 each or 2 for $27

Plants in habitat, Huachjilla, La Paz, Bolivia

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Rhodiola sp. ex 03 CH165

Crassulaceae. Clusters of rhizomatic, succulent stems to 6”+, bright yellow flowers. Sedum like in habit. Possibly a medicinal adaptogen with psychoactive, cognitive enhancing properties like other species. Collected by H. Hansen in China. One of the easiest Rhodiola to grow, does well in containers and as a garden plant. Herbaceous–dies back to the roots during winter. Z6a?
[ 6 ] → 2  ~  Plants 4–5 years old $14.50 each SOLD 

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Sceletium tortuosum “Kougoed” “Kanna”

Aizoaceae. Small sprawling shrub with flat, pale green leaves; shiny white flowers. The succulent leaves grow in pairs and eventually die away leaving persistent leaf vein skeletons clothing the lower stems. The San and Khoi people of South Africa have a long history of using the plant as a hunger and thirst suppressant, analgesic, treatment for colic, and most importantly as a highly esteemed inebriant. The traditional manner of preparation is as follows: The whole plant is crushed between rocks, then placed in a bag and put in the sun to sweat. After a week of “fermenting” the “Kougoed” is removed from the bag and spread out to dry completely. Sceletium is known to contain potentially harmful amounts of oxalic acids which the preparation process is thought to reduce. The prepared dried material is chewed, smoked or occasionally taken as a tea or snuff. The effects are reported as quite pleasant and relaxing, decreasing anxiety, stress and tension. No severe adverse effects have been reported, even from chronic use of the plant. In fact, indigenous healers are known to use “Kougoed” to successfully treat alcoholism. Pharmacological research has shown Sceletium to be highly complex chemically, with as many as 9 alkaloids that are found to fluctuate seasonally. Modern science is looking at the anxiolytic and antidepressant properties of Sceletium alkaloids as well as their potential anti-cancer activity. Sceletium is now being marketed as a highly effective and safe natural supplement to elevate and regulate mood. Plant gatherers have observed that wild populations of S. tortuosum are becoming increasingly scarce, likely due to over collection. Protection through cultivation is encouraged. Regular succulent culture, roots easy from cuttings. Hardy to Z9a if kept dry. 
[ 12 ] → 2  ~  Unrooted cuttings $12.50 each 

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Sedum berillonianum GP2607  

Crassulaceae. Small creeping succulent 1–3″ high. Chubby blue-green leaves in dense spiral arrangement. White-yellow flowers. Originally described by Weberbauer over a hundred years ago, all herbarium sheets were thought lost during WWII and the plant had not been seen in habitat until the inimitable G. Pino relocated it near Ayacucho, Peru where it grows up to 12,000′. A delightful miniature relatively new to cultivation. We offer a couple multi-stemmed specimen clusters from 3 different clones (A,B & C). A lovely little companion to plant at the base of your Trichocereus. LAST chance! Z8b?
[ 3 ] → 1  ~  2″ clustering plant $17.50

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Sinningia striata

Gesneriaceae. Perennial tuber/caudex with deciduous stems to 12″. Beautiful dark green fuzzy leaves with purple-red undersides. Clusters of gorgeous pale pink to cream colored tubular flowers with red striations. Rocky habitat, Pedra Branca, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Strong light for best growth and flowering. Easy as a houseplant. Going dormant for winter. Z9b at least.
[ 5 ] → 3  ~  Plants 4+ years old $17.50 each

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Sinningia aff. werdermanii?

Forms a large caudex/tuber. Lime-green annual leaves covered in a downy fuzz. Tubular flowers, color not yet seen. Seed from Peru. True S. werdermannii is native to Brazil and does not form a caudex, so we’ve been waiting for our plants to flower to get a clear I.D. Makes a great houseplant and choice for caudiciform collectors. Going dormant for winter. Z9?
[ 4 ] → 2  ~  Plants 4+ years old $12.50 each November Sale! 2 for $20

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Yucca angustissima RMRP2943-JC “Narrow Leaf Dwarf Yucca”

Agavaceae. Dwarf species to 16–30″+ tall. Rounded heads of very slender leaves 1–2′ long with fibrous white margins. 3–4’+ inflorescense with egg shaped cream colored blooms with purplish sepals, pollinated by moths. Southwestern USA. The young fruits were baked and eaten by several tribes. Flowers also have good edibility and the young shoots can be peeled and cooked like asparagus. The Coyotero Apache used the plant for insect and snake bites. The leaf fibers were made into cordage, mats, etc. Leaves were woven into fireplace hoods by the Hopi. The roots make a good soap and were used in marriage ceremonies by the Oraibi. A very drought and cold hardy plant. A few long underpotted specimens available. Z5a
[ 4 ] → 1  ~  Plant 5+ years old $14.50 

 

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Bromeliads & Polylepis, Lagunas de Llanganuco, Cordillera Blanca, Ancash, Peru

 

Andean Ethnobotanicals

 

Amomyrtus luma “Luma” “Caochuo”   ♥ New ♥

Myrtaceae. Evergreen shrub/tree from 10′ to 50’+. Ornamental, smooth red-brown bark and ovate leaves. Clusters of scented white flowers adorn the branches. Purple-black edible berries esteemed by the Mapuche for marmalade and chicha. Native to central and southern Chile. Plantations exist in Spain for the extremely hard and durable wood. There is some confusion in the nursery trade between this plant and the more widely grown Luma apiculata. Easy to grow, somewhat drought tolerant once established. Z8a
[ 2 ] → 1  ~  10″+ plant 3+ years old $19.50 

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Anthopterus schultzeae HBG90758

Ericaceae. Semi-epiphytic shrub with branches 3–10′ long. Narrow, densely arranged, elliptic leaves. New growth is reddish-bronze. Racemose inflorescence with 5–12+ small, lantern-like flowers, pale yellow-green with a pink blush, aging to red. Burgundy to black edible berries similar to a bilberry. A superb blueberry relative from the moist forests of Ecuador and north Peru between 2600–7500′. Grow like a blueberry — moist, well draining acidic soil. Roots easy from cuttings when kept keep humid and moist. Z9b?
[ 8 ] → 1  ~  4-6″ unrooted cutting $24.50

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Aristotelia chilensis “Macqui Berry”

Elaeocarpaceae. Dioecious shrub to 15′+. Lanceolate leaves, small white flowers, dark purple-black seedy fruits with a taste similar to tart blueberries. A pioneer plant found mostly in cleared forests and lower mountain hillsides of Chile. The edible fruit are used for brewing wine and chicha, the leaves for sore throats, wound healing, intestinal tumors, and as an analgesic. Recent studies show that the berries have a very high antioxidant value and they are now being promoted as a superfood in the US from “pristine Patagonia”. We put the berries in the blender with a little water, strain the seeds and use the deep purple juice. Easy to grow, prefers rich soil. A good food forest plant, fast growing. Part shade to sun. Unsexed, larger plants ready for out planting! Z8a 
1  ~  36″+ plant 3-4 years old $36.50** ♥ New ♥
2  ~  20-24″+ plants 3+years old $26.50** each; or 2 for $50 ♥ New ♥

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Begonia boliviensis

Begoniaceae. Forms a discoid perennial tuber/caudex to 12″ across. Arching annual stems to 18″+, slender leaves and 2″ tubular orange-red blossoms draw hummingbirds. Native to the Yungas region of the Bolivian Andes. Introduced into cultivation the 1800s, it is parent of many of the modern hybrids. Well draining soil and part shade. A favorite for hanging baskets. Can be grown like a succulent, drought and cold dormant. A gorgeous and rewarding species. We have a couple rarely offered old plants. Currently going dormant for winter. Z8a if well mulched.
[ 2 ] → 1  ~  Plant with 2.5-3″ tuber/caudex 9 years old $44.50*

 

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Blechnum aff. appendiculatum BK14512.4

Blechnaceae. Attractive small creeping fern. Rosettes of glossy imparipinnate foliage to 6″+ long, new fronds are an alluring rosy-red. Rocky slopes, shrub understory, near Capuliyoc pass, Cusco Dept., Peru, 9600′. May be drought deciduous. Easily grown, an excellent companion species. Z9?
[ 3 ] → 2 ~  Plants 5+ years old $16.50 each

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Bomarea involucrosa BK14510.7  ♥ New ♥

Alstroemeriaceae or Liliaceae. Wichuraea subgenus, this is a non vining species with erect, bamboo-like annual stems to 6’+. Slender blue-green leaves. Dense terminal clusters of nodding yellow-green tubular flowers to 3″+ long. Egg size seed pods with orange seeds. The large tuber of B. involucrosa is considered noxious by locals and is not eaten, considered medicinal/ornamental. Growing in remnant Incan forest amongst mixed Polylepis incana, P. lanata and P. microphylla trees next to a water shrine that is the lower part of the ancient Incan site of Chakan, Cusco, Peru, 12,000′. Makes a fantastic garden specimen or companion to your Trichocereus; well draining soil, sun to part shade. The stems die back and go dormant winter to mid summer. One of the more drought and cold tolerant species, should be hardy well below Z8a if well mulched.
[5 ] → 1  ~  3–4 year old plant $34.50

Bomarea involucrosa habitat, remnant Polylepis forest and the Incan shrine of Chakan, Cusco, Peru

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Cavendishia adenophora “Quereme Rosa”

Ericaceae. Evergreen shrub to 6’+. Thick, oblong or obovate leaves to 6″. New growth is pink-red to bronze. Large terminal clusters of up to 25 tubular flowers, pink with dark rose stripes surrounded by pink bracts with rose frills along their margins—unbelievably showy and unabashedly erotic! Large, purple-black, edible berries. Cordillera Occidental cloud forest of Choco and Valle Depts., Columbia, between 2200–6500’+. Considered the most gorgeous Cavendishia species, local legends tell of the alluring power of its beauty. Endangered due to overharvest for “love magic” and for sale in local flower markets. Easy to grow, prefers filtered light and moist, well draining acidic soil. We offer larger cuttings of 3 clones, ready for rooting in perlite or moss — keep humid and warm. Z9b?
Clone A: [ 4 ]→ 2  ~ 7-10″+ unrooted cuttings $48.50 each 
Clone C: [ 3 ]→ 2  ~ 7-10″+ unrooted cuttings $48.50 each
Clone NN: [ 4 ]→ 1  ~ 7-10″+ unrooted cutting $48.50 
November Sale! 3 cuttings of any of the above clones for $120

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Cavendishia axillaris X ??   

Open pollinated neotropical blueberry seedlings, we don’t know if the seed was true or pollinated by any one of our other Cavendishia species. C. axillaris is a shrub to 2–4′ with deeply veined, dark green suborbicular leaves densely arranged along the stems. Unique inflorescences at the leaf axils—clusters of rose-pink bracts and numerous small, bottle shaped, white-pink to yellow-white flowers. Rounded, edible, indigo blue berries. A terrestrial to epiphytic denizen of the cloud forests of Costa Rica to northern Columbia up to 9000′. First ever offering of seed grown plants. Z9b?
[ 10 ] → 4  ~  5-8″+ plants 3-4 years old $42.50 each; or 2 for $75; or 4 for $114
[ 3 ] → 1  ~  12-14″+ multi-stemmed plant 4+ years old $48.50 

↑ Specimen plant ↑Mother Cavendishia axillaris inflorescence & fruit

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Cavendishia lebroniae  ♥ New ♥

Shrubby species to 10′. Lanceolate leaves. Paniculate inflorescence with up to 150 violet flowers! Endangered lower elevation species from Ecuador. More heat tolerant than some but dislikes cold, does best when temperatures stay above 50° F. We’ve only offered this beauty a handful of times via auction. Z10a/b
[ 3 ] → 1  ~  4–6″ unrooted cutting $39.50

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Cavendishia melastomoides ♥ New ♥

Evergreen shrub 4–10′ tall, usually epiphytic, 2–4″ long lanceolate leaves, red-pink new growth. Inflorescence of up to 12+ tubular flowers, translucent magenta to rose-pink, aging to rich darker hues. Edible purple berries. Beautiful and rare Costa Rican cloudforest species endemic to the Cordillera Central and Cordillera de Talamanca, up to 9000’+. Grow like other neotropical blueberries. This has only been available via auction up until now, first time offer of cuttings. Z9a/b
[ 3 ] → 1 ~  6-8″+ unrooted cutting $39.50 SOLD

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Ceratostema lanigerum HBG994812

Ericaceae. Epiphytic shrub with liana-like branches 4–10′ long. Triangular cordate leaves, new growth olive to bronze/copper-red. The leaves and stems are covered in small soft hairs. Clusters of 3–7+ flowers of deep red with blue-black recurved petals. A rare endemic from riverine forests of Pastaza and Morona-Santiago, Ecuador, 2600–5300’+. Grow like other neotropical blueberries, more heat tolerant than some. Roots easily from cuttings. A gorgeous rarity, first time offered in a couple years. Z10a
[ 5 ] → 1 ~  6-9″ unrooted cutting $44.50

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Colletia ulicina “Kunko Rojo” “Wayun”

Rhamnaceae. Very unusual and amazingly cool beneficial shrub to 10′ tall. Nearly leafless branches covered in many small, multibranched, photosynthetic green spines. Tubular red-pink 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 that enriches the soil; root bacteria fix nitrogen and fertilize the earth around the plant. Drought and cold hardy. Seed has very erratic germination and we rarely have a chance to offer more than 1-2 seedlings a year. Has become highly valued by collectors; this is the first time in some years that we’ve been able to offer plants outside of auction. Easy to grow and rewarding. Z8a
[ 8 ] → 2  ~  6-8″ plants 2-3 years old $55 each 
[ 4 ] → 1  ~  15″+ plant 3 years old $77* ♥ New ♥

↑ Young plants ↑

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Desfontainia spinosa “Taique” “Borrachero”  ♥ New ♥

Desfontainiaceae. Highly ornamental evergreen shrub. Holly-like leaves, 1″ tubular red flowers with yellow tips, yellow-green fruits. Rare throughout its range from the Columbian Andes south to Chile. Considered a monotypic species with a family all its own, yet our perusal of herbarium specimens in Peru suggest to us that either the plant exhibits extreme morphological plasticity or there’s more than one species. We first encountered this awesome plant in 1996 in Cusco, Peru between the ruins of Sayacmarca and Runkurakay at 12,500′. Used as an ethnomedicinal inebriant, possibly a deliriant entheogen. The ethnobotany and chemistry are poorly understood. Easy to grow, in full sun it stays a bush to 6′, in part shade it can reach 15′ or more. Well draining, rich acid soil. Drought tolerant once established, but prefers ample water. We offer rooted cuts from seed grown Chilean clones. Woodrats decimated our nursery stock, and, with the tumult of the past year, we’ve not propagated more, so these are the only plants on offer for some time. Z8b
[ 2 ] → 1  ~  6–7″ branched plant $29.50

↑ Mother plant in bloom ↑

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Disterigma rimbachii  “Andean Huckleberry”

Ericaceae. One of our favorite plants. Beautiful multibranched shrub to 1–3′. Small, spirally arranged, oval leaves clothe the stems. New growth is deep red. Little, rose-pink tubular flowers borne along the stems. Light indigo-purple berries, sweet and juicy. Blueberry kin endemic to the low mountain forests and cloudforests of Ecuador from 2500–10,700′. Filtered light, well draining, moist, acidic soil. We’ve only distributed rooted cuttings in the past, this is our first offering of seedlings and a large mother plant (outside of auctions) of this gorgeous species. Z9b
[ 10 ] → 4  ~  6-10″+ plants 3-4 years old $40.50 each; or 2 for $70; or 4 for $110

new growth, blossoms & fruit

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Escallonia cordobensis BK151018.13

Escalloniaceae. A lovely shrub/small tree 6-15’+. Narrow leaves. Clusters of showy white flowers, very sweetly scented. Los Gigantes, Sierras Grandes, Cordoba, Argentina, 6400′. Very rare Cordoba endemic threatened by cows. Once a key forest species of this unique mountain range with Polylepis australis and Maytenus boaria. The cows are now the key species here and have decimated the forest, even within much of the national preserve. By its scarcity it appears that the cows find this Escallonia a gustatory delight! The only large plants we saw were restricted to nearly inaccessible cliffs which we scaled to collect this seed. Unknown in cultivation until now, conservation propagation is vital. Sun, well draining soil. Bonsais well. Rooted cuts. A gorgeous specimen with excellent form, the last we have to offer. Z7b?
1  ~  36″+ tree $66.50** SOLD

Home of Escallonia cordobensis, Los Gigantes, Sierras Grandes, Cordoba, Argentina

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Eugenia myrcianthes “Ubajai”  ♥ New ♥

Myrtaceae. Small willow-like tree to 15-25′. Pendulous branches, simple glossy leaves, pubescent when young. White flowers and apricot size edible fruit. The flavor of the fruit is excellent when still pale yellow but becomes insipid upon turning a dark yellow/orange. Native to the Rio Plata region, Brazil. Easy to grow ornamental/edible, mature trees tolerant of mild frost. Z9b
2  ~  14–18″+ treelets 3 years old $17.50* each 

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Eustephia sp. BK14512.9

Amaryllidaceae. Clustering bulb with slender green leaves. Upright flower stalk with terminal clusters of nodding tubular flowers; dark red with green tips. Steep slopes and embankments near Capuliyoc Pass, northern Cusco Dept., Peru, 9800′. In northern Peru Eustephia are used for wound healing, arthritis, and to undo witchcraft. Easy to grow, winter dormant for us. A great companion to grow with your Trichocereus. Give it a dry summer to encourage flowering. First introduction of seed grown bulbs. Z8b?
[ 7 ] → 2  ~  Bulbs $17.50 each

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Fuchsia magellenica “Chilco”

Onagraceae. Alluring shrub 5–8′ tall. Pendulous pink and blue flowers typical of the genus and adored by hummingbirds. Cylindrical, edible sweet berries. Central to southern Chile. An important edible and medicinal for the Mapuche. A hardy species, part shade, moist soil. Z7a
[ 2 ] → 1  ~  12–15″ plant 3 years old $17.50* 

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Haloragis masatierrana

Haloragaceae. Attractive shrub with shiny, deep green, serrated leaves, often with rusty highlights. Small reddish flowers at branch ends followed by dry berry-like fruit. Endemic to the forests of Robinson Crusoe Island, Juan Fernandez Archipelago, Chile. After a decade+ of seed selection, our plants are now well adapted to northern CA, tolerating winter frost and summer heat far beyond the first few generations we offered. Makes a truly lovely ornamental! Z8b/9a 
[ 6 ] → 2 ~ 8–15″+ plants 3 years old $17.50 each November Sale! 2 for $30

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Ilex paraguariensis  “Yerba Maté” “Ka’a”  ♥ New ♥

Aquifoliaceae. Evergreen tree to 60′. Shiny lanceolate leaves, white flowers and red-black berries. New growth is lovely red-bronze. Cultivated throughout South America. Our plants are grown from heirloom seed collected from old plantations in Paraguay. The caffeine rich leaves are the national drink of Argentina & Paraguay. Over the last several decades, Yerba Maté has become wildly popular in the US as a healthy stimulant and alternative to coffee, it is now the base ingredient in all manner of bottled beverages. Easy to grow, sun to part shade. Responds well to pruning and can easily be dwarfed and maintained as a shrub. Tolerant of some cold once established, but best to protect young plants from frost. Grow your own Yerba Maté! Z8b
[ 3 ] → 2  ~  6–7″ plants 2–3 years old $24.50 each

↑ An example of a seed grown plant ↑

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Lapageria rosea “Copihue” “Chilean Bell Flower”

Philesiaceae. Climbing evergreen vine to 20’+. Large 3–4” pendant bell flowers, usually a rich rose color, but occasionally other hues to pure white. The national flower of Chile! Cylindrical fruit, sweet and edible. Endemic to the forests of central Chile. The fruit is sometimes brewed into a chicha by the Mapuche. The finest ornamental edible climber there is. Fairly slow growing but easy if given a semi-shady sheltered spot, acid soil, and ample moisture. Our seedlings should show a variety of flower color. Z8a–b
[ 15 ] → 2  ~  Plants 3+ years old $14.50 each or 2 for $26 SOLD

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Lessingianthus asteroflorus BK10509.12 “Orqo yurak yurak”

Asteraceae. Erect plant to 4′ with blue-green simple leaves. The stems, leaves and flower buds are covered in a downy white fur. Clusters of bright purple thistle-like flowers attract butterflies. Seed from near Inkallajta, Cochabamba, Bolivia, 10,000′, where it was growing with Trichocereus totorensis, Puya aff. humilis, Polylepis lanata, Escallonia resinosa, Agalinis sp, etc. A very friendly plant with great horticultural appeal. Used to treat respiratory infections. Regrows from the roots in hard frost. We introduced this gorgeous and cuddly plant to cultivation a decade ago. A lovely contrast to grow alongside spiny Trichocereus. Z8a–b?
[ 6 ] → 2  ~  Plants 3+ years old $17.50 each

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Luma apiculata “Arrayan”  ♥ New ♥

Myrtaceae. Highly ornamental evergreen shrub or tree, from 5–30’+. Smooth red and brown mottled bark, dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers. 1/2″ edible black berries, sweet with a slight aromatic after-tone. Native to Chile and southwest Argentina. Extremely generous with blossoms and fruit. The fruit is traditionally eaten fresh and made into a chicha, we find it makes an excellent preserve or cordial. Sun to part shade. Drought tolerant when established, but does best with regular irrigation. Z8a–b
[ 4 ] → 2  ~  6-10″+ plants 3+ years old $15.50 each 
Inquire for large specimens

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Luma chequen “Chequen” “Arrayan Blanco”

Evergreen shrub 6–20’+. Small simple leaves, aromatic if crushed. Scented white flowers and dark purple edible berries. Native to central Chile and adjacent Argentina. The fruit are eaten and fermented into chicha by the Mapuche. A rewarding and easy to grow ornamental edible. Drought tolerant once established. Z8a
[ 6 ] → 2  ~  6-9″+ plants 3+ years old $17.50 each

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Macleania coccoloboides

Ericaceae. Large woody caudex, upright to arching branches 5 to 15′ with leathery leaves 4–5″ long. Clusters of waxy, red tubular flowers tipped white. Purple-blue to black edible fruit rich in antioxidants with high iron chelating abilities. Rare blueberry relative endemic to the cloud forests of Pichincha and Cotopaxi, Ecuador up to 11,000′. This is one of the larger growing species, a real hummingbird’s delight. Larger unrooted cuttings. Roots easily. Z9b 
[ 5 ] → 1  ~  7-9″ unrooted cutting $28.50 

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Macleania cordifolia ♥ New ♥

A semi-epiphyte with large caudiciform lignotubers, arching branches to 3’+ with shiny cordate leaves. New growth is bronze. Clusters of bright red tubular flowers with white tips. Translucent purple edible fruit. Native to the cloud forests of Ecuador and northern Peru. Sometimes confused with M. insignis or rupestris in cultivation. Tends to grow a big caudex faster than other species from cuttings. A few larger unrooted cuttings. Z9b
[ 4 ] → 1  ~  7–9″+ unrooted cutting $24.50

Caudex of mother plant

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Macleania glabra BLM0532

Arching stems with elliptic green to bluish leaves. Tubular rose-red to magenta flowers with pale tips, edible purple-black berries. Forms large woody caudiciform lignotubers up to 3’+ across! Rare semi-epiphyte from the cloudforests of Siberia, Costa Rica. Unrooted cuts available. Z9b
[ 4 ] → 1  ~  6-8″+ unrooted cutting $22.50 

Caudex of mother plant

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Macleania insignis X Macleania ??   ♥ New ♥

Open pollinated hybrid—already forming fat caudexes. New growth deep red. We expect orange to red or pink tubular flowers and white edible berries like mom, or perhaps purple-black from any number of potential fathers. Last chance at these beauties! Z9b
2  ~  14-16″+ plants with 1.25–1.75″ caudexes, 4+ years old $45.50* each

↑ Macleania insignis X Macleania?? specimens ↑
↑ Macleania insignis mother plant in bloom & fruit ↑

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Myrteola nummularifolia “Groundcover Guava”  ♥ New ♥

Myrtaceae. Ground hugging evergreen subshrub to 6″ high and 2–3′ across. Red stems and small, dark green, rounded leaves, pleasantly scented if crushed (makes great tea!). Little white flowers and abundant, round to oblong berries, rose to pink blushed with a sweet, aromatic flavor similar to Ugni. Plants in cultivation can probably be traced to Hinkley’s introduction from southern Chiloe. A handsome edible groundcover. Z7b? 
[ 5 ] → 2  ~  4-6″+ plants 3-4 years old $19.50 each

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Nicotiana benavidesii BK14516.9 “Apurimac Tobacco” ♥ New ♥

Solanaceae. Bizarre perennial tobacco species to 5’+. Thick, upright to arching stems crowned with bright green heart shaped cordate leaves. Spires of pale yellow-green tubular flowers to 1.5″ long. Young plants can develop a distinct pachycaul stem. We collected the seed from Eriotheca dry forest on steep rocky slopes overlooking the Apurimac, near 7600′, Cusco Dept., Peru. Should tolerate hot, dry conditions well. Exceedingly rare, probably the easiest tobacco to grow alongside cacti & succulents. An ideal Trichocereus companion. Tolerates cold, but not direct frost. Z9b/10a 
[ 8 ] → 4  ~  4-6″+ plants 1 year old $15.50 each November Sale! 2 for $27.50; or 4 for $46

↑ Mother plant in captivity ↑Plants in habitat

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Oxalis sp. BK14514.9  ♥ New ♥

Oxalidaceae. A superb sub-shrub; colonies of erect, slender, semi-succulent, red stems to 24″+ high. Lightly pubescent, clover like leaves on long petioles. Panicles with dozens of relatively large, bright yellow blossoms with red streaks in the center and undersides, very sweetly scented when conditions are right; can bloom for months on end! Our seed collection from cloudforest understory and edges, Choquequirao, Cusco Dept., Peru, 10,000′. Resembles a more floriferous, tuber-less O. tuberosa. A good candidate for Oca breeding. Easy to grow, tolerant of both wet and dry conditions, though definitely thrives in rich, moist soil with good drainage. An understory plant that tolerates sun but does best in filtered light. Regrows from roots after hard frost, especially if well mulched. The first time we’ve offered cuts of this attractive, highly floriferous, fruity-scented species. Unrooted cuttings root with minimal effort. Z9a/b
[ 4 ] → 3  ~  8–10″ cuttings $24.50 each

↑ Oxalis sp. BK14514.9 in bloom ↑ ↑ Oxalis sp. BK14514.9 cloudforest habitat, Choquequirao, Peru ↑

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Podocarpus parlatorei “Pino de monte” “Andean Pine”  

Podocarpaceae. A beautiful evergreen tree 20–40′, greyish bark and flattened green needles. Very durable wood. 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. Needless to say, propagation is vital. During our travels we’ve found it mindboggling that Mexican pine is being planted all over the Andes while this superior and amazing native species is slipping away. Makes an excellent and easy to care for landscape tree. Rooted cuttings. Z7/8?
[ 4 ] → 1 ~  18-22″ treelet $24.50*

Plants in habitat, Salta, Argentina

I’ve contributed a short article about Polylepis to the Microcosms project –  https://www.microcosmssacredplants.org/plant/polylepis-spp/

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Satyria boliviana HBG90802

Ericaceae. Gorgeous semi-epiphytic shrub with pendent branches 2–6’ long. Lime-green, coriaceaus, lanceolate leaves, lightly pilose. New growth pink-bronze. Inflorescence covered in tiny soft white hairs, bearing dozens of flowers with globose urn-shaped corollas, red with white tips. The edible berries are high in antioxidants. This lovely rare and endangered Bolivian endemic is only known from a few collections, Yungas cloudforest, La Paz and Carrasco, Cochabamba, near 8000’. Grow like other neotropical blueberries. Roots easily from cuttings in perlite or moss — keep humid and warm. Very seldom offered. Z9a/b?
[ 6 ] → 1  ~  5-8″ unrooted cutting $36.50

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Sphyrospermum cf. buxifolium  ♥ New ♥

Ericaceae. Another unique neotropical blueberry. Terrestrial to epiphytic shrublet with slender ascendent or pendent branches 1–5’+ long. Rounded semi-succulent leaves, yellow-pink bell-shaped flowers. Red-orange edible berries. This may actually be a new species. Lower elevation Andean cloudforests. Acid soil, filtered light. Lovely in hanging baskets. Larger, unrooted cuttings, easy to root. Z9b?
[ 4 ] → 3  ~  8-10″+ unrooted cuttings $19.50 each
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Stenomesson pearcei BK14513.19 “Chiwanway”

Amaryllidaceae. Large clumping bulb with wide fleshy leaves. 12″+ stalks with showy clusters of large, pale yellow flowers with inflated tubular corollas. Cloudforest near Sunchupata, northern Cusco Dept., Peru, 9700′. Sun to part shade and well draining soil, similar to succulent care. Give it a couple months dry to induce flowering. First introduction of bulbs from several seed grown clones. Z8?
[ 4 ] → 1  ~  Plant/bulb $19.50

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Thevetia peruviana

Apocynaceae. Evergreen tropical shrub with slender leaves and showy fragrant yellow flowers. The entire plant contains highly toxic cardiac glycosides. Sometimes utilized as a teacher plant in Amazonian ‘dietas’, not through ingestion but by simply being in the plants’ presence. The large seed are used in jewelry making. Seed oil has been used as an insecticide and fungicide. Our plants grown from seed from Amazonian Peru. Handle thoughtfully. Tolerant of high temperatures and some drought. Z10a?
[ 5 ] → 2  ~  10-12″ plants 3 years old $16.50 each  
[ 4 ] → 2  ~  24-28″+ plants 3 years old $22.50* each

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Ugni molinae “Unu” “Murtillo” “Chilean Guava” ♥ New ♥

Myrtaceae. Ornamental evergreen shrub to 6′. Cup-shaped fragrant white-pink flowers and 1/3″ rose-purple edible berries. Southern Chile. The fruit has a particularly delicious flavor, being aromatic and sweet. The leaves are rich in antioxidants, the Mapuche make a analgesic tea from them and brew chicha from the fruit. The roasted seeds are a coffee substitute. Ugni candollei is used to induce dreaming. Commercially cultivated in Chile for the fruits, it was popular in 1800s England, Queen Victoria’s favorite fruit! Does excellent here in northern California. Dislikes alkaline soil, but is very easy to grow. Sun to half shade, drought tolerant when established. Can be trimmed as a hedge. Deserves wide cultivation. Seedlings long underpotted and ready for your garden! Z8a
[ 6 ] → 3  ~  5–8″+ plants 4+ years old $15.50 each or 2 for $28.50

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Ugni molinae ‘Flambeau’ ♥ New ♥

A rather exuberantly variegated clone with leaves streaked green, cream, lime and pink. New growth is an unabashedly flamboyant rosy-pink. Slower growing, but has the same delicious berries as the standard form. Gets a top rating for ornamental edible. Z8a/b
[ 4 ] → 1  ~  6″+ plant $17.50

 

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Polylepis weberbaueri forest, Lagunas de Llanganuco, Cordillera Blanca, Ancash, Peru

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Edibles, Medicinals, & other Beneficials

 

Abies pindrow CC6800 “Himalayan Fir”

Pinaceae. Tall, slender, pyramidal evergreen to 200′ in some specimens. Long, spirally arranged, dark green needles. New shoots chartreuse to yellowish. Cylindrical purple cones. Chadwell seed collection, forests of Himachel Pradesh, 8000′. Soft light wood used for building. Prefers high humidity/rainfall. If grown in a container it makes the perfect Solstice tree. We have treelets that have been kept small in tiny pots for years that are very eager for transplanting! Z8a
[ 9 ] → 3  ~  6–10″+ treelets 9+ years old $14.50 each or 2 for $26.50

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Acer campbelli CC6648 “Phirphire” “Nepalese Maple”

Aceraceae. An elegant maple tree to 15–40′. Green bark, 5–7 lobed deep-green leaves, new foliage is a bronzy red, which autumn turns yellow to bright red. White pink flowers. Chadwell seed collection from Nepal. Traditionally coppiced for fodder. Lovely landscape tree, sun to part shade. These have remained bonsaid in small pots but will grow to full size when planted out. Z7a
[ 4 ] → 2  ~  8–12″+ treelets 6+ years old $14.50 each 

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Agapetes oblonga “Yunnan Huckleberry”

Ericaceae. Rare larger species 3–10′ tall. Fuzzy stems, oblong-lanceolate leaves. New growth is lustful pink-red. Develops a large woody caudex to 20″+. Very floriferous with tubular carmine-red flowers borne along the stems. Sweet edible berries, translucent white-pink with tiny hairs. Epiphytic in the evergreen forests of Yunnan, China up to 9000′. We have several clones — we will send cuts from multiple clones when 2 or more are ordered. Cuttings root easily and are relatively quick to develop a caudex. We’re offering larger cuttings here than we ever have before! Z8b/9a?
[ 4 ] → 3  ~  9-12″ unrooted cuttings $29.50 each or 2 for $52  ♥ New ♥

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Agapetes pyrolifolia “Burmese Huckleberry”  ♥ New ♥

Caudiciform, semi-epiphytic shrub with arching branches to about 2–3′. Rounded lignotuber/caudex to 12″+ diameter. Evergreen obovate leaves. Clusters of awesome blossoms—orangish to creamy-pink tubular flowers with carmine red zig-zag markings and yellow to greenish tips. Edible white berries. A unique, rare species coveted by collectors; native to the evergreen forests of Myanmar, NW Yunnan and Xizang, China up to 9000′. Unrooted cuttings from several clones. Z8b/9a?
[ 4 ] → 3  ~  5-6″+ unrooted cuttings $24.50 each

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Agapetes serpens  “Khursani” “Himalayan Lantern Huckleberry”  

Semi-epiphytic evergreen shrub to 2–4’+. Graceful arching branches arising from a woody caudex to 18″+. Shocking rose-red lantern-like flowers dangle from the branches, a flamboyant display that appeals equally to hummingbirds and primates. Up to marble size, sweet and juicy lavender colored berries. Native to the Himalayan mid elevation cloud forests, up to about 9,000′. The caudex of some species is edible. Easy and highly rewarding to grow, treat it like a blueberry that wants well draining acid soil; prefers part shade and regular moisture, yet is surprisingly tolerant of sun and dry periods once the caudex develops. Fruits best when cross pollinated with another clone or Agapetes species. Larger, well established plants, branched and some already forming caudexes; vegetatively propagated. Z8b
[ 6 ] → 2  ~  15-20″+ plants $28.50* each SOLD
1  ~  12″ branched plant $24.50

↑ Mother plant details ↑↑ Delicious Agapetes serpens berries ↑

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Agapetes smithiana v. major  “Yellow Flowered Himalayan Huckleberry”   ♥ New ♥
An attractive caudiciform shrub that forms distinct lumpy lignotubers and has long arching branches with rounded leaves. Dark yellow tubular flowers hang from the stems in clusters, drawing hummingbirds in from far and wide. Edible berries. A beautiful endangered native of the mid elevation cloud forests of the western Himalaya where it occurs primarily as an epiphyte. Well draining acidic soil, part shade. A good pollinator for other Agapetes species. We have a few large, unrooted cuttings to offer. Z8b/9a
[ 4 ] → 3  ~  10–14″ unrooted cuttings $29.50 each

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Arracacia brandegeei BK101106.2 “Chuchupate” “Cape Arracacha”

Apiaceae. Herbaceous perennial to 4’+. Big pinnate leaves, green to purplish in color. Large airy umbels of small white flowers grow up then hang above the plant. Huge thick roots. Cape Mountains, southern Baja, near 5000′. The roots are used for diabetes, rheumatism, stomach and kidney ailments. Relative of the delicious “Arracacha” root that is farmed in the Andes; the edibility of this species is unexplored. Also makes a beautiful ornamental. Prefers part shade and moisture but can tolerate some seasonal dryness. The last few plants we have. Z9a?
[ 5 ] → 2  ~  Plants 8+ years old $24.50 each

Plant in habitat, Cape Mtns, Baja

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Begonia grandis “Hardy Begonia”

Begoniaceae. Herbaceous tuber forming species makes clumps to 2′ with very attractive cordate leaves with red veins and pendant clusters of pink flowers. Native to the forests of east Asia. The roots are used for blood circulation and as a painkiller. Light to heavy shade, rich moist soil. Naturalizes well and makes a stunning display when blooming. The tubers are hardy to Z6a/b
[ 12 ] → 9  ~  Plant 3+ years old $8.50 each November Sale! 3 for $19.50; or 6 for $29.50; or 9 for $39.50

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Betula utilis CC5763 “Bhojapatra” “Himalayan Birch”

Betulaceae. A gorgeous medium sized birch tree 20–35′ tall. Exceptional white, 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 reportedly contraceptive. Widely used for construction, the tree is now considered endangered in some regions due to deforestation. Easy to grow, does well in most soils. These long underpotted specimens will grow quickly with fresh soil. Z7a
[ 4 ] → 2  ~  36″+ treelets 11+ years old $36.50** each

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Boenninghausena albiflora CC7147 “Dampate” ♥ New ♥

Rutaceae. Delicate shrub to 4′ high. Highly ornamental foliage — soft blue-green leaves with pinnate rounded leaflets. Feathery white flowers. Chadwell seed collection, forests of northwest Himalaya, 7500′. The plant is rich in oils and has an interesting pungent sweet scent when crushed. Used externally for all manner of wound healing, as an insecticide and to treat malaria. Dried leaf powder is used as a flea repellant. Grow in light shade, moist soil. Z8a
[ 3 ] → 2  ~  12–14″+ plants 10+ years old $22.50 each

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Codonopsis convolvulacea “Ludu Dorje”

Campanulaceae. Rounded perennial tubers with annual twining vines to 8′, narrow leaves. 1.5″ star-shaped flowers, a pure vibrant blue color. Native to the forests and mountains of eastern Burma and southwestern China. Has a strong, musky smell similar to Cannabis. The gorgeous flowers are used for skin conditions and the edible, white tuberous roots as a tonic. It is claimed that to those with “spiritual vision” the plant emits a visible glow at dusk! It is rumored to be the “Supreme Herb”. A special decoction made from all parts of the plant is taken by yogis to cure all disease and obtain magical powers, walk on water and fly!! It is also said to be an ingredient in the sacramental “Rainbow Light Pills”, which are known to liberate one from rebirth in the lower realms. Note: these statements have not been fully evaluated by the FDA! Well worth growing for the flowers alone, prefers part shade for the roots, a friend to climb on and rich, well draining soil — easy! Z7a 
[ 5 ] → 2  ~  Plants/tubers 3–4 years old $26.50 each

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Cudrania tricuspidata  “Che”  ♥ New ♥

Moraceae. A unique and unusual fruit, closely related to fig and mulberry, which deserves wider attention. Deciduous suckering shrub or small tree 10–30′. Deeply furrowed bark, lightly thorned stems and variably shaped leaves. Dioecious small green flowers followed by 1–2″ rounded fruits described as “chewy dollops of maroon sweetness”. Native to eastern Asia where the leaves were used as silkworm feed like its mulberry kin. An extract of the plant is used for hypertension. Sometimes grafted onto Maclura pomifera (osage orange). Prefers well drained soil, fairly drought and cold hardy once established. Unsexed seedlings. Z6a
[ 6 ] → 3  ~  6–8″+ treelets 2+ years old $16.50 each November Sale! 2 for $29.50

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Dichopogon strictum (=Anthropodium strictum) ♥ New ♥

Liliaceae. Asparagus relative with grass like leaves and graceful flower stalk to 2′ bearing edible lilac flowers with a chocolate scent. Native to Australia and northern Tasmania. The tuberous roots were valued bush food eaten raw or cooked. Easy to grow in sun to part shade. Z8b
[ 4 ] → 1  ~  Bulb 3+ years old $12.50 SOLD

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Ilex vomitoria SHL091023.1 “Yaupon”  “The Black-Drink”

Aquifoliaceae. Evergreen shrub or small tree to 20’+. Divaricate stems, whitish flowers and ornamental red-orange berries. Native to the south eastern US and north eastern Mexico. Another underappreciated, stimulating holly. Related to Yerba Maté and Guayusa, the leaves are a rich source of caffeine alkaloids. Once a primary sacred plant of our Cherokee ancestors as well as the Creek, Seminole and other tribes. Brews a delicious tea, the top choice for North American caffeine production in your back yard! Seed collected from wild populations, Outer Banks, North Carolina. Easy to grow, tolerant of alkaline and salty soils, sun to partial shade. Seed is very slow to germinate, but we’ve done that part for your—these plants took 5 years to sprout! Z6a
[ 5 ] → 1  ~  10–14″+ plant 3-4 years old $24.50 

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Indigofera sp. CC6804 “Himalayan Indigo” ♥ New ♥

Fabaceae. Elegant tall shrub to 8–12’+. Deciduous pinnate leaves with ovate leaflets. Highly showy racemes of pink to magenta flowers, relatively large for the genus, followed by linear pods. Chadwell’s 2010 seed collection, Himachel Pradesh, NW Himalaya, 8,600′. Kin of the famous blue dye plant. A graceful beauty with the boon of nitrogen fixation to increase soil fertility wherever it’s planted. The first time we’ve offered this alluring ornamental. Currently defoliating for winter. Z7/8?
[ 3 ] → 2  ~  36-44″+ plants 6+ years old $44.50** each 

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Lonicera quinquelocularis “Himalayan Honeysuckle Tree”

Caprifoliaceae. Attractive deciduous shrub or small tree, 6–15’+ tall. Soft ovate leaves, clusters of yellow-white tubular flowers and ornamental translucent berries. Chadwell seed collection from the Himalayas. A beautiful and easy to grow plant, prefers loamy soil and sun to part shade. The last we have to offer of this. Z5a/b
[ 9 ] → 2  ~  6–10″+ plants 4+ years old $14.50 each November Sale! 2 for $24.50

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Lycium barbarum ‘Large Leaf’ “Wolfberry” “Gou Qi Zi” “Goji Berry”  ♥ New ♥

Solanaceae. Deciduous shrub with arching branches, 3–5′ tall. Edible lanceolate leaves to 5″ long and 3″ wide. Pale purple flowers, 1/4–1/2″ red berries. Native to the Himalayan foothills of central Asia. The leaves are eaten and the berries are one of the most nutritious foods known to man. A traditional Chinese longevity enhancer and sexual tonic. These are seeds from a plant we selected that has extra large leaves, excellent for food. Though the berries are a little smaller, it actually fruits more heavily and consistently for us than others we’ve grown. Drought tolerant once established. Z6a
[ 3 ] → 1  ~  10-12″+ plant $18.50 SOLD

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Mahonia gracilipes

Berberidaceae. Evergreen shrub 2–5’+. Large compound leaves with stiff, pointed leaflets, bluish-purple to dark green, powdery white underneath. Summer sprays of small purple and yellow flowers followed by bluish fruit, edible but very tart. Rare species endemic to shady, moist limestone cliffs, Emei Shan, Sichuan, China. Rich in medicinal antibiotic alkaloids like other Mahonia and Berberis. This is a gorgeous plant that has grown very well for many years in our garden. Sun or shade, somewhat drought hardy once established. Long underpotted specimens eager for out-planting! Last plants. Z7a
[ 6 ] → 2  ~  6–12″ plants 7–8 years old $18.50 each November Sale! 2 for $32

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Picea smithiana CC6793 “Junde Salla” “Himalayan Spruce”

Pinaceae. Beautiful conical evergreen tree. Whorled branches with pendulous ends. Spirally arranged needles. Chadwell collection, Uttaranachal, Central Himalaya, 7600′. We have just a few specimens left of this enchanting species that have been kept ‘bonsaid’ in small pots. Z5?
[ 3 ] → 1  ~  15–20″+ treelet 9+ years old $28.50* SOLD

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Polygonatum zanlanscianense “Hu Bei Huang Jing” “Giant Solomon’s Seal” ♥ New ♥

Liliaceae. Creeping rhizome with annual stems to 6’+ tall bearing whorled leaves with tendrilled tips. White to purplish tubular flowers tipped green dangle from the stem nodes. Black berries. Mountain forests of China up to 9,000′. The rhizome contains saponins with anticancer activity. The fresh spring shoots should be edible, a bit like asparagus. Part shade and moist soil for this beautiful woodland species. Plants overlong rootbound in small pots and eager for the garden. Z6a
[ 4 ] → 2  ~  Plants 9+ years old $24.50 each

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Salvia nubicola CC6306 “Himalayan Sage” ♥ New ♥

Labiatae. A lovely and rare herbaceous perennial sage to 3–4′, annual rosettes of strongly aromatic, hairy sagittate leaves. 2–3′  spikes of yellow flowers with flared bottom lip and and purple speckled nose. A Chadwell accession, Himachel Pradesh, India, 9500′. The leaves and roots are used for toothache, fevers, and liver health. A great garden plant, easy to grow, sun to part shade. Tolerates dry conditions, but prefers some summer irrigation; the roots are very cold hardy, especially if well mulched. Plants entering winter dormancy. Z6b
[ 5 ] → 4  ~  Plants 1–2 years old $14.50 each or 2 for $26

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Silene undulata (=Silene capensis) “Xhosa Dream Herb”

Caryophyllaceae. Low growing perennial rosettes of linear leaves. Tubular tobacco-like white flowers borne in mass on branching inflorescenses to 2’+. Native to South Africa. The downy leaves are smoked as a ‘tobacco’ and the Xhosa have made use of the succulent roots to induce “dreaming” and it has become popular in the US among people involved in “dream work”. Very easy to grow, drought tolerant and adaptable to most gardens. A few mature clustering specimens available. Z8b
[ 6 ] → 2  ~  3-4″+ plants 3-4 years old $18.50 each November Sale! $16.50 each

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Tiliacora triandra “Bai Yanang” “Jello Plant”

Menispermaceae. Large twining vine with lime-green heart to arrow shaped leaves. Clusters of yellow flowers and round red fruit. May form a tuber/caudex with age. Native to forests of Southeast Asia. In Thailand and Laos a juice from the leaves is used as a thickening agent for making kaeng no mai soup and surong sam “jello”. Rich in antioxidant phytonutrients that studies have shown to have anti-intoxicative, neuroprotective and cognitive enhancing effects, especially in alcoholic rats! Leafy shoots are also a traditional cure for dysyntry. Easy to grow, give it plenty of room to climb. Rooted cuttings. Z9b?
[ 4 ] → 1  ~ Plant $15.50

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Vaccinium gaultheriifolium “Himalayan Large-leafed Blueberry”

Evergreen shrub with arching branches, 6–12″ tall. Large elliptical leaves, glaucus-blue to green with white undersides. Clusters of white to pink bell flowers adorn the branch tips followed by clusters of round edible blueberries. 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. Long underpotted specimens ready for fresh soil. Z7a
[ 5 ] → 2  ~  10-12″+ plants 8+ years old $22.50 each SOLD
[ 3 ] → 2  ~  6-8″+ plants 8+ years old $19.50 each ♥ New ♥

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Valeriana jatamansi (= V. wallichii) “Indian Valerian” “Mushkbala”

Valerianaceae. A delightful low growing plant with basal rosettes of soft heart shaped leaves. 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. Easy, does best in part shade and moist soil. Z7b
[ 6 ] → 4  ~  2–3″ plants 2–3 years old $12.50 each November Sale! 2 for $22; or 4 for $36.50

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Viburnum mullaha CC7127 “Malayo”

Adoxaceae or Caprifoliaceae. Large deciduous shrub to 15’+. Long lanceolate leaves. Rounded umbels of showy white flowers followed by a display of red berries. Chadwell collection, forest of “Little Tibet”, Ladakh, 7600′. A rare and attractive species, the acidic fruit is edible and is eaten as a stimulant, the juice for indigestion. Z8?
[ 4 ] → 2  ~  12–18″+ plants 7+ years old $16.50* each November Sale! 2 for $26.50*

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Andean Tuber Crops – Jewels of the Earth

In addition to potatoes, there is a shocking rainbow diversity of brightly colored tubers cultivated in the Andes where they have been a staple of rural communities for millennia. These so-called “lost crops of the Incas” have been largely ignored by the rest of the world. Such “jewels of the earth” deserve to be widely grown. An alarming loss of heirloom cultivars has been observed in recent decades as land is given over to modern crops, such as carrots, that are associated with affluent culture. Climate change is further exacerbating such loss. This makes preservation through integrating these enchanting and delicious tubers into our gardens all the more timely. Most are easily cultivated and can be prepared any way you cook potatoes — baked, steamed, boiled, fried, etc. Studies have shown all of these plants to be nutritious and high in antioxidants. 

Please note: Over the last 20 years, we’ve been honored to introduce many dozens of varieties of Andean tubers into US cultivation, yet the last few years our Andean tuber plants have been badly effected by erratic and extreme weather (most acutely sudden summer heat spikes), and our stock further decimated when the local voles and wood-rats developed a taste for them. We completely lost about a quarter of our Ulluco varieties, more than half our Mashua (including all wild subspecies), and dozens of Oca varieties. Last winter we also lost nearly all of our mother ‘Achacana potato-cactus’ (Neowerdermannia vorwerkii), and all but a single small plant of ‘Arracacha’ (Arracacia xanthorrhiza)… We’ve been working to replenish our stock, but this has been slow as a number of varietals had been reduced to a solitary tuber. Barring further catastrophe, we should have more to offer in 2025. If you’ve previously gotten tubers from us you do not see listed below, and still have them growing — please let us know which varieties and we’d be happy to trade for any we may have entirely lost.

Tuber market, Cusco, Peru

 

For tuber growing information, see the bottom of our Cultivation Page

** Note: Most of our tubers are currently only available annually during the winter months. **

 

Bomarea aff. ovata BK14513.17 “Sullu sullu”

Alstroemeriaceae or Liliaceae. Ornamental twining vine with annual stems to 8’+; perennial clusters of round edible tubers, 1-3″+ diameter. Green ovate leaves to 3″, lightly fuzzy undersides. Umbels of 5-12+ showy, funnel shaped flowers to 1″ long, outer tepals rose to pink with a green tip. Inner tepals 1/4″ longer than outer, base yellow, tip green with a few dark spots, inner side heavily flecked with black striations. red-pink midstripe. Ovary and pollen green. A little known and still mostly ignored ‘lost’ Incan crop, once cultivated for the tasty edible tubers and young asparagus-like shoots. Seed from plants growing in cloudforest near an Incan site, Sunchupata, Cusco Dept. Peru, 9700′. The Andes boasts 80+ species of these fantastic climbing lilies, in addition to edible tubers some species are used to treat venereal disease, infertility, kidney pain and hemorraging. Easily grown, well draining soil, sun to part shade with something to climb on. Drought tolerant. The vines/stems die back and go dormant during cold or dry spells. Z8 or below if well mulched. Currently winter dormant.
[ 5 ] → 1  ~  Plant/bulb 5+ years old $22.50

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Canna edulis ‘Rojo’ “Achira”

Cannaceae. Ginger-like perennial monocot to 6’. Large attractive foliage, this strain has bronze and purple streaked leaves, dark reddish-brown seed pods and deep red lily-like flowers. Edible rhizomes. A cultivar throughout the mid-Andes. One of the “lost” crops of the Incas. The rhizomes are extremely rich in a large molecule starch and have been eaten since antiquity. Young shoots and immature seeds are also edible raw or cooked. Tolerant of diverse conditions, grows fastest in rich, moist soil. Often planted as a wind break. Z8b if mulched. 
[ 2 ] → 1  ~  Rhizome $13.50

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Mirabilis expansa ‘Seedling’  “Mauka” “Miso” “Tazo”

Nyctaginaceae. Herbaceous perennial to 2–3′, simple leaves. White to pink-red small flowers. Branched subterranean stems/tubers, thick, succulent and edible. Seed grown plants that vary from white/yellow to red skinned roots with white to reddish flowers and stems. This is the rarest, least understood of the Andean tubers, known to science since the 1960s. Only known from 3 disparate locations — north of La Paz, Bolivia, near Cajamarca, Peru and the highlands of Pichincha & Cotopaxi, Ecuador. This is most likely the result of the Incan policy of mitma; relocating entire ethnic groups throughout the Andes. Mauka’s tubers are protein rich and high in calcium, phosphorous and potassium. Much still needs to be discovered about the cultural needs of the plant but it has been surprisingly adaptable for us; tolerant of both wet and dry conditions, partial shade to full sun. Easily propagated by root division. Should be hardy to at least Z8 and likely Z7 if well mulched.
(You may request plants with white ‘Blanca’, or red ‘Roja’ roots.)
[ 5 ] → 1  ~  Plant/root division 3-4+ years old $29.50 SOLD

 

Oxalis tuberosa “Oca”

Available after December 15, 2024

Oxalidaceae. Round to cylindrical tubers 1–6” long. With hundreds of known cultivars in an alluring spectrum of colors from yellows to oranges, pinks and reds. Sprawling succulent stems to about 1’ tall with trifoliate clover-like leaves, yellow flowers. One of the easier Andean tubers to grow and second only to the potato in popularity. Cultivated for thousands of years, the tubers have a variety of flavors from crisp and lemony fresh to buttery and sweet when cooked. Still unknown as a food outside of South America with the exception of Mexico where it has been grown for over 200 years and New Zealand where it has been farmed recently. Grow similar to potatoes, the larger tubers develop late in the season after the Autumnal Equinox with cool weather and shortened daylength. Traditionally the tubers are exposed to sun and cold for several days after harvest to increase sweetness. Light exposure also enriches the vivid colors. Oca also make captivating ornamental plants. Our daughters love to snack on the sour leaves and flowers. If well mulched the tubers are hardy below Z7a.

Each Oca tuber packets contain 2-4+ tubers

(Every 3 Oca ordered count as 1 plant for shipping costs.)

 

Oxalis tuberosa BK08516.8

Fat, round cylindrical tubers, yellowish with a pink blush, turn a deeper pink/maroon with light exposure. Fantastic non-acidic flavor. Our accession from Cusco region, Peru.
[ 3 ] → 1 ~  Tuber packet $15.50 SOLD

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Oxalis tuberosa ‘Black’

Large cylindrical tubers, black eyes, dark red to nearly black skin, occasional pale yellow splotches, very prolific. A great selection from F.V. Keirsbilck. We nearly lost this gorgeous variety a couple years ago to rodents and weather extremes.
[ 3 ] → 1 ~  Tuber packet $15.50 Available after December 15, 2024

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Oxalis tuberosa ‘Crema de Rosa’

Rounded to cylindrical knobby tubers, cream with a pink-red blush when exposed to light. Non-acidic and tasty. A La Paz, Bolivia collection from ethnobotanist Jim Bauml.
[ 2 ] → 1  ~  Tuber packet $15.50 SOLD

 

The following three Oca are $14.50 each or $38 for a set of all 3 varieties ⇓

Available after December 15, 2024

 

Oxalis tuberosa ‘OE, Durazno’

Rounded, yellow/pale orange tubers, red eyes and pink/red-orange highlights, like a peach. From Oregon Exotics, the original name is lost. 
[ 4 ] → 2  ~  Tuber packets $14.50 each Available after December 15, 2024

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Oxalis tuberosa ‘Polar Bere’

Lumpy, rounded tubers, pure bone white to very pale yellow with light exposure. Mild sweet flavor.
[ 4 ] → 1 ~  Tuber packet $14.50 SOLD

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Oxalis tuberosa ‘Sunset’

Medium size orange to salmon-red cylindrical tubers, high yielding. A delightful acidic taste fresh, but cooks up mild.
[ 4 ] → 2 ~  Tuber packets $14.50 each Available after December 15, 2024

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Pachyrhizus ahipa “Ajipa” “Villu” “Andean Jicama”   *seed packet*

Fabaceae. Semi-erect stems 1–2’ high with pubescent trifoliate leaves. Violet to white flowers and 3–4” bean pods. Swollen edible root, elongated to spherical, weighing up to 1 kilo. Another ancient domesticate, unknown in the wild. Cultivated in the Yungas, Ceja de Selva and warm interAndean valleys of Bolivia , Peru and northern Argentina, between 5–10,000’. Our seed is from Tarija, southern Bolivia. This is the Andean jicama, with sweet crunchy flesh similar to the larger Mexican jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus) many people are familiar with. Hardier, faster growing and more adaptable than Mexican jicama, this is a species that should do well in many gardens. Pest free, nitrogen fixing and daylength neutral. The root is rich in quality starch, minerals and protein. The foliage, pods and seeds contain the pesticide rotenone, moderately toxic to humans. Some plants show low rotenone content in the oil rich seeds, it is conceivable that an edible seed strain could be developed free of the toxin. About 4-6 months to harvest from seed, pinching the flowers back is said to increase root size. Prefers well draining soil and warmth. Sprout like beans. Cultivation of the plant is nearly extinct in Peru and Argentina and has been waning in Bolivia, integrating it into our gardens is an essential strategy for the conservation of this valuable ancient root crop. Z9/10a? (Seed packets are okay to be shipped internationally.) 
[ 6 ] → 2  ~  Packets of 5 seed $7.50 each

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Smallanthus sonchifolius ‘Morado’  “Purple Yacon”

Asteraceae. This may be the variety originally introduced by Oregon Exotics as ‘Purple Puma’. As far as we can determine, this is also what has been distributed as ‘Red Yacon’. The 2-4′ annual stems and fuzzy leaves show some purple streaking. The orange-yellow mini-sunflowers are a little larger than other varieties. The knobby propagative tubers are a bright violet-purple to reddish-purple, the fat, yam- shaped, juicy storage tubers have a pink-purple to brown-purple skin and white flesh that sometimes infuses violet with light exposure. Surely rich in antioxidant anthocyanins. Yacon is a wonderful multi-use plant, traditionally grown throughout the Andes, it has also been introduced to Central America and is popular in New Zealand. The large storage tubers have a delicious juicy sweet taste, somewhat like a cross between jicama and watermelon. In the Andes it is thought of more as a fruit than a vegetable and, to increase their sweetness, the tubers are traditionally laid out to dry a little in the sun for a few days. Our kids love to crunch the tubers dug fresh from earth. The storage tubers are rich in fructooligosaccharides and are considered a prebiotic: that is, they feed the healthy bacteria in the gut–which improves overall health. The young vegetative growth is cooked similar to celery. The leaves are used as a blood-sugar balancing tea for diabetes. A molasses like syrup made from the roots is becoming popular as a beneficial sweetener. Easy to grow in most any garden, prefers sun and a rich soil. We supply propagative tubers for planting. Z7b or 8a if well mulched.
[ 5 ] → 2  ~  Plants/tubers $18.50 each 

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Tropaeolum tuberosum SS15.C  “Mashua” “Añu”

A rare and extraordinary seed grown selection from our 2015 breeding efforts with several heirloom cultivars and our accessions of the wild silvestre subspecies. The most exciting of these new seed grown Mashua. Long tubers to 8”+, pale pink to magenta and darker shades of purple. With light exposure, the colors even deepen to purple-black. Very prolific. The most beautiful Mashua tubers we’ve seen! Tubular orange flowers; the annual climbing stems to 8’ and rounded lobed leaves also take on lovely purple hues. Mashua is a high yielding root crop throughout the Andes; close relative to the garden nasturtium. A fantastic addition to any garden, easy to grow, highly ornamental, pest resistant and repellent. The tubers are cooked like potatoes and can have a slight peppery flavor. Shown to reduce testosterone with regular consumption. The leaves and flowers are edible too. We first introduced this unique new varietal about 5 years ago and since then have only offered it a couple times. Z7a when well mulched. 
[ 5 ] → 1  ~  Tuber/plant $24.50  

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Ullucus tuberosus “Papa Lisa” “Ulluco” “Melloco”

Available after December 15, 2024

Basellaceae. Hundreds of cultivars with 1–4”+ round to cylindrical tubers, a delightful array of bright colors. Edible spinach-like rounded leaves on short sprawling stems to 12”. One of the most delectable of all the Andean tuber crops, yet practically unknown in the U.S. Crisp and buttery in flavor. Shown to have antiviral properties. Contains triterpenoid saponins which may help with hypoglycemia. Like Oca, the tubers only develop late in the season. Tuber production is best in areas with a slow transition from Summer to Autumn. A little fussy, but have been adaptable to northern California. Hardy below Z7a when well mulched.

 

The following Ulluco are $16.50 each or $99 for a set of all 7 varieties

Each tuber packets contain 2-5 small tubers

(Every 3 Ulluco ordered count as 1 plant for shipping costs.)

Available after December 15, 2024

Ullucus tuberosus BK08607.1

1–2”+ round “pica de pulga” type; yellow to orange with fluorescent red to pink spots and stars. The name means “flea bitten”. From a market in Chulumani, Yungas, Bolivia.
[ 4 ] → 1  ~  Tuber packet $16.50 Available after December 15, 2024

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Ullucus tuberosus BK10425.2

1–4”+ grub-like cylindrical yellow tubers with fluorescent pink splotches. Cultivated near Patacancha, Cusco Dept., Peru.
[ 4 ] → 1  ~  Tuber packet $16.50 Available after December 15, 2024

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Ullucus tuberosus BK10429.1

1-3″+ pale to bright yellow round to cylindrical tubers with slender pale pink eyes. From Grimalda Quispe, Chinchero, Cusco Dept., Peru.
[ 4 ] → 1 ~  Tuber packet $16.50 Available after December 15, 2024

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Ullucus tuberosus BK10429.2

1–2”+ Pale to darker yellow lumpy oblong tubers, occasionally with a purplish blotch. From our friend Grimalda Quispe in Chinchero, Cusco Dept., Peru. In addition to eating she says the sliced tubers are used on bug bites, burns and swellings; including swollen lymph.
[ 4 ] → 1 ~  Tuber packet $16.50 Available after December 15, 2024

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Ullucus tuberosus BK151014.10

Bright lime-green round tubers to 1-3″. Our accession from a market in Jujuy, northern Argentina; we were told they are farmed near the Bolivian border.
[ 4 ] → 1 ~  Tuber packet $16.50 Available after December 15, 2024

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Ullucus tuberosus ‘Chugua Roja’

Rounded rose-pink tubers to 1-2″+. A prolific grower from Boyaca, Columbia. Seems a bit more adaptable to warm conditions than some varietals.
[ 6 ] → 2 ~  Tuber packets $16.50 each Available after December 15, 2024

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Ullucus tuberosus ‘Illimani’

Chunky tubers, bright yellow with occasional pink speckles, 1-3″+. Cultivated on the high altitude slopes of Apu Illimani, La Paz, Bolivia.
[ 4 ] → 1  ~  Tuber packet $16.50 Available after December 15, 2024

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Ullucus tuberosus ssp. aborigineus “Ulluco Silvestre” “Wild Ulluco”

Available after December 15, 2024

Trailing vine to 2–10’+ with heart-like edible leaves. 1/2–2”+ round or oblong tubers, varying from white to pink or lavender, turning almost purple-brown with light exposure. This is considered the wild form or ancestor of the cultivated Ulluco. In our experience the tubers are just as edible as the cultivars and only slightly smaller. The leaves are delicious like spinach. Cultivated Ulluco very rarely sets seed and this wild subspecies, which seeds more readily, could be used in breeding programs. It has been speculated that it was used in breeding new varietals by the Incas. Grow as you would other Ulluco, but give more room for the vine. A good source for edible greens, the leaves are larger and more abundant than the cultivars. In our initial trials one pea sized tuber produced nearly 4 oz of tubers in a season. Our original introductions, otherwise unknown in cultivation. Z6 to 7 if mulched.
Also see – https://www.microcosmssacredplants.org/plant/ullucus-tuberosus-aborigineus/

Ullucus tuberosus spp. aborigineus scanned at St. Lawrence University’s Microscopy & Imagery Center, from Microcosms: A Homage to Sacred Plants of the Americas, used with the permission of Jill Pflugheber & Steven F. White, © 2023.

 

The following Wild Ulluco are $15.50 each

Each tuber packets contain 3-6+ small tubers

(Every 3 Ulluco ordered count as 1 plant for shipping costs.)

Available after December 15, 2024

 

Ullucus tuberosus spp. aborigineus BK10426.5

Trailing vine to 24”+. Chunky lavender tubers to 2”+. Growing in Incan stone terrace walls with Peperomia rotundata. Halfway from Pumamarca to Munaypata, Cusco, Peru, 10,500’. This accession was made at one of the most heavily terraced mountainsides we’ve seen in all of the Andes — with over a thousand stone terraces it must have been a site of intensive agriculture.
[ 4 ] → 1 ~  Tuber packet $15.50 SOLD

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Ullucus tuberosus spp. aborigineus BK10426.6

Sprawling vine to 36”+. Odd shaped lavender-pink tubers to 2.5”. Growing amongst dilapidated Incan walls above Munaypata, Cusco Dept., Peru, 10,400’.
[ 4 ] → 2 ~  Tuber packets $15.50 each Available after December 15, 2024

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Ullucus tuberosus spp. aborigineus BK10427.5

Vine to 24”+, small pale pink tubers. Growing amongst boulders with Bomarea and Fuchsia apetala, above Patacancha village, Cusco Dept., Peru, 13,000’. Should be extra hardy.
[ 4 ] → 1 ~  Tuber packet $15.50 SOLD

 

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BOOKS

Support your Independent Bookseller!
See below the listings for book shipping rates ↓

Please email to confirm availability prior to sending payment –
sacredsucculents@hushmail.com or benkamm@monitor.net

 

 

GRAFTING GUIDE
By Ben Kamm
Grafting of a slower growing cactus species onto a faster growing stock increases plant growth significantly. It is a viable means of quickly producing mature specimens for seed production and vegetative propagation. This illustrated guide covers all aspects of grafting, from week old seedlings to mature specimens. Includes tricks we have learned over the years that help make this valuable conservation technique accessible and practical. Focuses mainly on Cactaceae but coverage is given to Euphorbiaceae, Apocynaceae and other succulent families.
[ 6 ] → 2  ~  Copies, staple-bound softcover $9.00 (8 oz) 

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GROWING PLANT MEDICINE: Volume 1
by Richo Cech illustrations by Sena Cech
Brand new book from master plantsman Richo Cech, a much-expanded version of his classic The Medicinal Herb Grower. Draws on the author’s lifetime of cultivating and living with an amazing diversity of medicinal plants. Pretty much everything you need to know about natural organic gardening techniques, from seed to harvest, for a great majority of healing herbs. Newly augmented with bioregional medicinal plant recommendations, garden plans and materia medica. Arranged by plant families, alphabetically by kinship and common name—covers families A through H. Volume 2, which is in production, will cover the rest of the alphabet. This is hands down the best reference for medicinal plant cultivation there is. Delightfully illustrated by Richo’s daughter Sena, full of personal anecdotes and life stories—not only useful, this book is a joy to read!
[ 6 ] → 1  ~  Copy, softcover, 354 pages $29.95 

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The Health Professional’s Guide to Dietary Supplements
by Shawn M. Talbott and Kerry Hughes
This useful quick-glance reference helps students and health professionals educate themselves and their patients/clients about the scientific evidence for and against more than 120 popular dietary supplements. Supplements are logically grouped into 12 chapters based on their primary desired effect, such as weight loss, joint support, and sports performance enhancement. The authors give each supplement a one-to-five-star rating based on the level of scientific substantiation for each of its major claimed effects. The book highlights crucial safety issues regarding each supplement and sets forth recommended dosages for particular effects. A quick-reference appendix lists all the supplements alphabetically with their star ratings. First edition. We have just one copy left of this helpful volume!  
[ 3 ] → 1  ~  Copy, softcover, 444 pages $60 (2 lbs) November SALE! $33 

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The PLEASURE: Animist Encounters with Poison Oak    ~Signed Copies!~
by Erik Davis, illustrations by David Y. D’Andrea
Lessons from the Poison Path
A lively and fascinating essay by our good friend Erik Davis, inspired by a hike we took just downstream of Sacred Succulents the first summer of the pandemic. Poison oak is a integral member of California’s ecology, a plant that demands attention and prudence, yet little has be written about this adaptable species and many mysteries still surround the wily nature of Toxicodendron diversilobum. Scratching beneath the surface of science and legend, Erik keenly discerns poison oak’s anthropomorphic qualities, including that of a fierce and mercurial guardian, a tricky teacher, and a vigorous ally to the endangered “wilds”. A must read for all who’ve encountered the plant and it’s troublesome effects—what some perversely describe as the pleasure. With a gorgeous full color cover and interior black & white illustrations, this informative chapbook is a lovely limited collector’s item. Our copies are signed by the author.
[ 12 ] → 3   ~  Copies, Signed Chapbook, 24 pages $20 each (8 oz)

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PLANTS USED BY AMAZON SHAMANS IN THE AYAHUASCA DRINK
by Luis Alberto Lopez Vinatea
This hard to find little book covers over 120 plants that are known to be used in the Ayahuasca potions of Peru. Lists the scientific name of each plant, plant family it belongs to, common and indigenous names, geographical distribution, chemical composition, herbariums where voucher specimens are deposited, and its reported effect as an additive to the brew. Introduction and a brief overview of the ayahuasca phenomenon in Spanish. A good reference source.
[ 15 ] → 3  ~  Copies, softcover, 80 pages $14.50 each (8 oz) SALE! $12

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… BOOKS BY JONATHAN OTT …

Natural products chemist, ethnobotanist, scholar, conservationist, linguist and author, Jonathan Ott is one of the world’s foremost authorities on the botany, history, and chemistry of shamanic plants. Mentored by mycologist R. Gordon Wasson, ethnobotanist Richard Evans Schultes, and chemist Albert Hofmann. Jonathan currently manages a biological preserve in eastern Mexico. We are the US distributor for his books, bulk inquiries are welcome. We are currently working with Jonathan to publish reprints of some of his long out-of-print books and several exciting new titles in the coming years… 

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THE AGE OF ENTHEOGENS & THE ANGELS DICTIONARY
by Jonathan Ott
A fantastic read, one of Ott’s most accessible books. “A radical re-examination of the history of our western civilization, exploring the brutal suppression of ecstatic, experiential, natural religions from The Age of Entheogens, by the 1600-year-old Pharmacratic Inquisition, leading up to the contemporary Entheogenic Reformation.” Followed by a dictionary-style lexicon of words pertaining to shamanism and entheobotany; made in response to R. Gordon Wasson’s call for “a vocabulary to describe all the modalities of a Divine Inebriant”.
[ 12 ] ⇒ 4  ~  Softcover copies, 160 pages $25 each (1 lb) November Sale!$22
[ 12 ] ⇒ 3  ~  Hardcover copies $50 each (1 lb) November Sale! $45

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PHARMACOTHEON: Entheogenic Drugs, Their Plant Sources & History, 2nd edition
by Jonathan Ott
If you get only one book on the topic of entheogenic plants and compounds, this is it, the most complete reference book, a dense 640 pages covering over 1,000 species with the largest bibliography on the subject ever compiled. Everything you ever wanted to know, and much more. Accurate, definitive, and surprisingly entertaining. Foreword by Albert Hofmann. This is the updated, densified 2nd edition, only released in softcover (other than deluxe signed copies that sold out 25+ years ago). 
[ 12 ] ⇒ 5  ~  Softcover copies, 640 pages (2nd edition, densified) $50 each (3 lbs) 

PHARMACOTHEON: 1st edition
The original, released in 1993. We had a few remnant hardcover and sold out of this recently, though we just discovered an untouched case of the 1st edition softcover, which had originally sold out in the mid-90s! A historical artifact, we offer them here for the serious collector.  
[ 6 ] ⇒ 1  ~  Hardcover copy (1993, 1st edition) $110 SOLD OUT
[ 10 ] ⇒ 4  ~  Softcover copies, 640 pages (1st edition) $75 each (3 lbs) ♥ New ♥

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PHARMACOPHILIA or The Natural Paradises
by Jonathan Ott
An irresistible, even poetic book addressing the spirituality, law, pleasure and science of psychoactives. Ott’s essential contribution towards edulcorating and excising ethnopharmacology’s errant epistemes. Ott educes the melodious and beneficent paradigm of pharmacophilia—a completely natural and healthy love of “drugs”. A must read! 
[ 12 ] ⇒ 4  ~  Softcover copies, 192 pages $25 each (1 lb) 
[ 12 ] ⇒ 2  ~  Hardcover copies $50 each (1 lb)

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RARE & USED BOOKS

We endeavor to update this section monthly. Many titles offered here come from the library of our late friend – the celebrated ethnobotanist Richard Felger.
Unless noted otherwise, only one copy (or set) is available of each listing.
Please email to confirm availability prior to sending payment –
sacredsucculents@hushmail.com or benkamm@monitor.net

 

Baja California Plant Field Guide
by Norman Roberts
Excellent field guide which remains our main in-the-field reference when exploring Baja. Generously packed with color photos and illustrations. 324 pages. Used book—heavy wear to cover yet pages are crisp and clean. A good working copy.
1st edition Softcover in good condition $14 (2 lbs) 

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FLOWERING PLANTS:
The Santa Monica Mountains, Coastal & Chaparral Regions of Southern California
by Nancy Dale
A really fantastic field guide to the plants of SoCal. The book includes: * Plants organized within family groups * 214 color photographs and 51 original botanical drawings accompanying text * Details on 260 species 63 families * Simple explanations of botanical terms * Early California botanical history as it relates to specific plants * The cultural history of specific plants * Maps of the Santa Monica Mountains and suggested wildflower trips * Flowers indexed by color, name, and family * Facts on Indian uses of plants, ancient medicinal practices, cultivation requirements for home gardening, and some recipes. 1986 first edition softcover in very good condition, minor shelf wear. Title page signed by the late, great ethnobotanist R. Felger. 240 pages.
1st edition Softcover in very good condition $25  SOLD

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Flora of the Galapagos Islands
by Ira L. Wiggins and Duncan M. Porter
Unparalleled work by the powerhouse botanist Ira Wiggins. A massive, awesome book with numerous breathtaking black & white illustrations and 96 color photos. For those who have interest in South America’s most famous island, Darwin’s living inspiration, this book is a must! Ex-library copy—front interior has standard library stickers and markings and moderate wear from library circulation, the dust jacket has some rubs and is tattered along the top (yet pretty good after 60 years!), otherwise a clean and excellent working/reference copy. 1971 first edition, 1020 pages. Armchair journeys through this fantastic flora are much more affordable and ecologically responsible than actual travel to the island these days!
1st edition Hardcover in good+ condition $120 (5 lbs)

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Flora Silvestre de Chile: Zona Austral
by Adriana Hoffmann
Adriana Hoffmann’s wonderful series of botanical books are classic field guides to Chilean flora and difficult to acquire outside Chilé. This volume covers the flora of the temperate southern regions of Chilé. Includes many of the fantastic species we’ve offered over the years and many we’ve only dreamed of growing. The glossy pages are copiously illustrated with gorgeous color paintings; hundreds of thorough descriptions; notes on distribution, ecology, and ethnobotany—in Spanish. This excellent reference volume is long out of print and nearly impossible to find! 1982 first edition softcover in very good condition, 260 pages.
1st edition book Softcover in very good condition $75 (2 lbs) SOLD

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The Genus Echinocereus (Kew Magazine Monograph)
by Nigel P. Taylor
A botanical and cultural guide to the hedgehog cactus genus, including a full taxonomic revision with a key to and descriptions of the 44 accepted species. Illustrated with 12 color plates and numerous black & white drawings. 160 pages. 1985 first edition, dust jacket shows some minor wear to the edges, otherwise the book is in very good condition. Interior board signed by the late, great ethnobotanist Richard Felger.
1st edition Hardcover in very good condition $50 (2 lbs) SOLD

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The Genus Encyclia In Mexico
by Robert L Dressler and Glenn E. Pollard
Rare book on the amazing Encylcia orchids of Mexico, a collector’s “must have”. Black and white illustrations and 24 color photos. Revised 1976 second edition with a limited print run of 2000 copies. Softcover in very good condition, minor shelf wear. 151 pages.
2nd limited edition Softcover in very good condition $40 (1 lb) SOLD

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THE GENUS FEROCACTUS: Taxonomy and Ecology, Explorations in the USA and Mexico
by George Lindsay
A gorgeous limited edition volume printed in 1996. This colorful work contains a key to the species, distribution and ecology, propagation, new species, and more. Additional contributions by Larry Mitich and Frank Thrombley. Color illustrations by Thor M. Bock, Lucretia Breazeale Hamilton, Dallas Hanna, Sandra Reed, and Gerhard Marx. 187 illustrations (40+ color photographs), 9 maps. Color pictorial cloth, pictorial endpapers. 444 pages. A rare and utterly awesome collector’s item!
1st edition Hardcover in like new condition $195 (2 lbs)

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Guia de Arboles de Bolivia
edited by Timothy Killeen, Emilia Garcia, and Stephen Beck
We’ve made extensive use of this excellent and thorough guide to the trees of Bolivia. The keys are in easily referenced Spanish. Gorgeous black & white line drawings and handy maps. 958 pages. A well handled, 1993 first edition hardcover copy in relatively good condition. The book has some mild moisture damage but the pages are clean and readable. The dust jacket is intact but worn with rubs, creases, and some tears. An excellent working copy of this hard to find and long out of print book.
1st edition Hardcover in good condition $60  SOLD

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HASELTONIA: Yearbook of the Cactus & Succulent Society of America, Number 1–7 (1993–2000)
+ 1975 Yearbook Cactus & Succulent Society Journal [an early version of Haseltonia]
Each softcover volume is 100–150 glossy pages of fascinating scientific articles [email for article list] with black & white and color photos/illustrations. Excellent and essential reference material for the cactus & succulent afficionado. A little shelf wear, but otherwise in good to very good condition.
Set of all 8 volumes $250 (6 lbs)

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THE ORCHIDS: A Scientific Survey
edited by Carl L Withner
A thorough and extensive work on Orchidaceae. 1959 first edition hardcover, bound in blue cloth with gilt lettering. Numerous black & white illustration. A classic work that is essential for the orchid lover. Shelf wear, but in otherwise very good condition. 662 pages. Interior board signed by the late, great ethnobotanist Richard Felger.
1st edition Hardcover in very good condition $50 (3 lbs) SOLD

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The Pacatnamu Papers, Volume 1
edited by Christopher B. Donnan & Guillermo A. Cock
This volume presents the results of the first three years (1983-1985) of a five-year excavation at Pacatnamu, north Peru, combining archaeological excavation with physical anthropology, botany, zoology, textile analysis, ethnography, and ethnohistory. Focuses on the period of Lambayeque occupation. A very cool book with copious black & white illustrations and a handful of color photos. Comes with a fold-out map insert. Bilingual in English and Spanish. 192 pages. First edition softcover with some shelf wear and minor dings but overall in very good condition.
1st edition Softcover in very good condition $20 (2 lbs) 

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PIHKAL: Phenethylamines I Have Known and Loved
by Alexander & Ann Shulgin
A rare collector’s item. We have a few copies of the original deluxe hardcover slipcased edition of this monumental work by the late Dr. Shulgin and his wife Ann. Originally printed as only 300 signed copies, these are unsigned copies of which only a handful exist! 
[ 3 ]→ 1  ~  Copy, deluxe slipcased Hardcover edition $115 (3 lbs) SOLD

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Plant Hunters in the Andes
by Thomas Harper Goodspeed,
After 8 decades this book remains one of the most enjoyable and informative texts on Andean plant exploration. 1941 first edition hardcover bound in red cloth, very good condition minus dustjacket. Numerous black & white photos, map endpapers, 454 pages.
1st edition Hardcover in very good condition $150 SOLD

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The Pollination Biology of North American Orchids: Volumes 1 & 2
by Charles L. Argue
A must have for serious orchid collectors and connoisseurs! Recent studies have revealed remarkable complexity and diversity in orchid-pollinator relationships. These studies comprise a vast literature currently scattered in numerous, often obscure, journals and books. The Pollination Biology of North American Orchids brings together, for the first time, a comprehensive treatment of this information for all native and introduced North American orchids found north of Mexico and Florida. It provides detailed information on genetic compatibility, breeding systems, pollinators, pollination mechanisms, fruiting success, and limiting factors for each species. Distribution, habitat, and floral morphology are also summarized. In addition, detailed line drawings emphasize orchid reproductive organs and their adaptation to known pollinators. Hard to find, nearly new, 2012 first edition 2 volume set — often goes for over $400. Volume 1 is 240 pages, vol. 2 is 211 pages.
2 volume set; 1st edition Hardcovers in like new condition $245 (3 lbs) 

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Little, Big
by John Crowley
We’ve assisted the publication of a new archival, art book edition of our friend John Crowley’s beloved novel Little, Big. Winner of the World Fantasy Award when it was first published in 1981, the novel is esteemed by a broad diversity of fans — from Yale literary critic Harold Bloom to ethnobotanist Kat Harrison, from musician Maynard James Keenan to acclaimed storyteller Ursula K. LeGuin, from fantasist Neil Gaiman to counterculture historian Erik Davis and psychedelic philosopher Terence McKenna. For many readers Little, Big is more than a novel, it is an enchantment, an alchemical engine of the imagination. Publishing this unique, collectible edition has been a 20 year saga! The gorgeous hardcover edition is finally available, but with a limited print run it’s expected to sell out soon. A wonderful gift and worthy investment — order a copy while you still can!
The book can be purchased through: https://store.deepvellum.org/products/little-big
Only around 200 copies of the Trade and about 2 dozen Numbered edition remain. Don’t pass up your chance to invest in these gorgeous literary artifacts made to last for generations.

New Essay: One of our integral supporters, in bringing the anniversary edition of Little, Big out of the realm of the phantasmal and into the physical, is our friend and author Erik Davis, who has just written a lovely essay on Little, Big – https://www.burningshore.com/p/big-little-big

Shipping & Handling for Books

To determine shipping costs, add up the number of lbs in parentheses ( ) that is listed after the price.
Priority Mail– add $10 for up to the first lb, $2 for each additional lb.
When ordered to be shipped together with plants – just add $2 for each lb
Books only sent Media Mail – add $5 for up to the first lb, $1 for each additional lb
Please email us for international shipping costs:
sacredsucculents@hushmail.com or benkamm@monitor.net

 

BOTANICAL PRODUCTS

Note: These are all custom batch, limited offerings,
once sold-out it is unlikely they will be available again!

 

BALSAM OF PERU Myroxylum toluifera balsamum 

Dried balsamy tree resin from Columbia. The common name comes form the 17th century when the resin was sent to Peru for export to Europe. Also known as “Balsam of Tolu”. Trees must be 20 years old before they can be tapped for the resin. It has a rich, earthy, balsam and vanilla-like fragrance. It makes a wondrous incense and enthralling body scent. Traditionally used for skin disease, wound healing, fungal infections, coughs and lung ailments, colds, and rheumatism. It has clearly documented antibacterial, antiseptic and antiparasitical actions. We have a small, limited quantity of dried chunks of the pure tree resin. Final offering of this exceptional resin!
[ 2 ]→ 1  ~  50 grams Balsam of Peru pieces $42 SOLD
[ 6 ]→ 1  ~  10 grams Balsam of Peru pieces $10

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COPAL BLANCO Bursera sp.  “White Copal”

The light colored dried resin of this wildcrafted sap from central Mexico is one of the most highly valued Copals. This “Food of the Gods” can be burned as a delightfully sweet incense, for purification or as a holy offering. Strongly antiseptic. This is the highest quality Copal Blanco, not to be confused with the “White Copal” from Indonesia. Some years back we were able to procure a small supply, which quickly sold out — we set aside a small amount which we offer now. This is the last time we are a likely to ever offer this amazing Copal!
[ 6 ]→ 1  ~  5 grams Copal Blanco resin $12 SOLD

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GOLD ROOT Heliopsis longipes

Composite endemic to the mountains of central Mexico up to 8,000’. The fleshy lateral roots produce a very intense tingling sensation in the lips and mouth when chewed, much stronger than Echinacea or Spilanthes which have similar properties. Traditionally used for toothache (very effective!) and oral health. Rich in alkamides with impressive analgesic, antiinflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal and immune boosting effects. Demand for its insecticidal activity nearly lead to its extinction during World War 2. The pleasant tingling effect from the chewed root can be transferred to other areas of the body and has been used as topical anesthetic and for interesting erotic purposes. Wildcrafted in Mexico.
[ 10 ]→ 5  ~  Packets of dried roots $5 each (count as a seed packet for shipping)
[ 5 ]→ 2  ~  Large packets [=5 regular packets] $20 each
Limited bulk offer – Normally only available in very tiny amounts, here is your chance to stock up!
[ 4 ]→ 2  ~  1 oz dried roots $48 each 

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MUNA ESSENTIAL OIL Minthostachys andina or setosa

One of the signature scents of the Andes comes from this mint relative. This lovely plant is sometimes used as a flavoring in soups and is a popular digestive aid, nervine, cold remedy and antiparasitical. Also reported as an aphrodisiac. The essential oil is best used externally and is said to help with altitude, skin fungus, sore muscles; to repel insects and to “cleanse negativity”. Steam distilled in small batches by a friend in Peru. Very limited stock, when we’re sold out, that’s it!
[ 8 ]→ 2  ~  1/8 oz bottle $10 each (1 oz for shipping)
[ 6 ]→ 1  ~  1/2 oz bottle $30 (4 oz for shipping) 
[ 4 ]→ 1  ~  1 oz bottle $50 each (6 oz for shipping) 
[ 2 ]→ 1  ~  2 oz bottle $86 each (1 lb for shipping) SOLD

 

Natural Products Shipping & Handling:

Up to 8 ounces $6
9 ounces to 1 pound $10
then $2 each additional pound
$2 per pound when ordered with plants.
Under 6 ounces ordered with plants = free product shipping

 

Please email us for international shipping costs:
sacredsucculents@hushmail.com or benkamm@monitor.net

⇑ Trichocereus peruvianus and Puya, above Matucana, Huarochiri Prov., Lima Dept., Peru⇑ Looking down on the town of Matucana, Huarochiri Prov., Lima Dept., Peru⇑ Orconcocha & Polylepis weberbaueri forest, Lagunas de Llanganuco, Cordillera Blanca, Ancash, Peru

⇑ Anadenanthera dry-forest and ancient terracing still in use, Pasto Grande, Yungas, Bolivia

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You should check out our compadre Neil Logan’s work with Regenerative Agroforestry Systems: https://www.agroforestry.com/press-release
Our compadre Neil Logan, ethnobotanist and agroforester extraordinare, has helped develop a highly useful free online platform Agroforestry Design Tool™ (see www.AgroforestryX.com ) With roots in the indigenous agricultural systems of Pacific Islands and tropical world, the Agroforestry Design Tool™ helps you to customize an agroforest for a particular site and goals in an easy-to-follow framework. This tool also has untapped potential for use in other biomes and for restoration design, contact Neil to discuss possibilities: farmcenter2015@gmail.com

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♥  Our deepest gratitude for your support!  ♥

♥

Sacred Succulents

P.O. Box 781, Sebastopol, CA 95473 USA

Above Chavin de Huantar, Ancash, Peru

((((((((( Plant seeds. Plant lots of seeds. Plant them without fear. Plant them with love. )))))))))

♣Ancient Prosopis with Trichocereus terscheckii growing in its branches, south Salta, Argentina

♥