Sun Goddess – Trichocereus Clone [San Pedro Cactus Wiki]

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====== Sun Goddess ======
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===== Description =====
Trichocereus 'Sun Goddess' is a robust, clustering cultivar characterized by a bright green, slightly glaucous epidermis. It typically features prominent, rounded ribs with large, felted areoles. Spines are relatively short, needle-like, and range in color from light yellow to brownish-grey. The flowers are notably large, funnelform, and white, resembling those of the Trichocereus candicans complex.

===== History & Origin =====
The clone 'Sun Goddess' is widely distributed in the commercial nursery trade, primarily propagated and sold by Altman Plants. Its exact taxonomic status and parentage have been the subject of significant debate. While often sold under generic labels or associated with Trichocereus grandiflorus, community research and correspondence suggest it is a hybrid. Specifically, records sourced from Bob Baker indicate it may be a cross between Trichocereus arboricola (hypothesized as the maternal parent) and Trichocereus purpureopilosus.

===== Cultivation Notes =====
Like most robust Trichocereus species, 'Sun Goddess' thrives in a well-draining mineral soil mix. It benefits from full sun exposure, which promotes strong spine development and regular flowering, though it appreciates light afternoon shade in extremely hot climates. Water deeply only when the substrate has dried out completely, and suspend watering during the cold winter dormancy. Due to its vigorous root system and rapid growth rate, it is highly valued within the community as a reliable grafting stock.

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===== Community Discussion & Citations =====
//Analysis of the discussion.//
The community discussion highlights a divide between the official commercial labeling of 'Sun Goddess' and its observed botanical characteristics. Several community members note its strong morphological resemblance to Trichocereus candicans. However, internal nursery correspondence and records shared within the community suggest a hybrid origin involving T. arboricola and T. purpureopilosus. There is widespread skepticism regarding the labeling accuracy of mass-producer Altman Plants, with commentators pointing out their commercial practices as a reason to doubt official identifications.

^ Date ^ Speaker ^ Key Insight/Quote ^
| 2023 (approx) | Lawrence Smith | "is sun goddess just a fancy name for Trichocereus candicans?" |
| 2023 (approx) | Jeremy Mercado | "Lawrence Smith I think it’s way more candicans looking , despite the Altman’s reply. I mean . They put plastic flowers on their shit. Who’s the rep responding 😉" |
| 2023 (approx) | Nolan Bishop | "I think arbicola is the mother since that's the only note they had on the cv leads me to believe the fruit which bore the seeds that are sun goddess was the noted arbicola" |

===== Contributor Confidence =====
//Visible to trusted reviewers only.//

^ Contributor ^ Confidence ^
| Lawrence Smith | 10/10 |
| Jeremy Mercado | 10/10 |
| Nolan Bishop | 7/10 |


===== Credibility Notes =====
Lawrence Smith and Jeremy Mercado are recognized community experts (assignedper the expert override rule), and their morphological assessment linking the clone to T. candicans is highly regarded. Nolan Bishop provides valuable, detailed insights derived from records obtained from Bob Baker, offering a plausible genetic lineage (T. arboricola x T. purpureopilosus) that aligns with the plant's unique floral and vegetative characteristics.
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