> ⚙️ **Auto-generated, pending human review.** This page was compiled automatically by a bot from community discussions and has **not yet been verified by an editor**; details may be imperfect and corrections are welcome. //Editors: delete this line once you have reviewed the page.// ====== Bendigo bridgesii ====== {{clones:b:media:ben:f43aa2edc454f6b5.jpg?400}} {{clones:b:media:ben:c47cf6464d3826d4.jpg?400}} ===== Description ===== The 'Bendigo bridgesii' is a clone of the species //Trichocereus bridgesii// (syn. //Echinopsis lageniformis//). While specific morphological descriptions for this clone are limited in the provided records, it typically exhibits the classic characteristics of the species: a shrubby habit, glaucous blue-green epidermis, 4 to 8 ribs, and prominent, honey-colored to brown spines arising from yellowish areoles. ===== History & Origin ===== This clone originates from Bendigo, Victoria, Australia. It was reportedly sourced from a large, established clump growing in the front garden of an old residential property. There is significant discussion in the community regarding the distinction between several similarly named clones from this region: * **'Bendigo' (or 'Bendigo bridgesii'):** Sourced from the residential front garden clump in Bendigo, Victoria. It is not associated with Dawson's Cactus Garden. * **'Ben':** A //Trichocereus bridgesii// clone sourced from Dawson's Cactus Garden in Australia. This clone has been used in hybridization, with community members noting crosses such as 'Ben x Sharxx Blue'. * **'Dawson's Bendigo Bridge':** A distinct clone separate from the standalone 'Ben' and 'Bendigo' clones. Graeme Ellis noted also possessing a specimen of Dawson's bridgesii sourced from along the fence line. Community members have pointed to historical discussions on the Shaman Australis forum (specifically a thread regarding the "Origin of T. bridgesii Bendigo") to trace the legitimacy and lineage of these plants, though some ambiguity remains regarding their exact introduction. ===== Cultivation Notes ===== No specific cultivation notes were provided in the community discussion. In the absence of clone-specific data, standard //Trichocereus// cultivation practices should be followed: * **Substrate:** Use a highly gritty, well-draining soil mix (at least 50-70% inorganic material like pumice, perlite, or gravel). * **Watering:** Implement a "soak and dry" method during the active growing season (spring and summer). Keep the soil completely dry during the winter dormancy period to prevent root rot. * **Light:** Provide bright, indirect sunlight or acclimated full sun. ===== Community Discussion & Citations ===== //Visible to trusted reviewers only.// ^ Date ^ Speaker ^ Key Insight/Quote ^ | 2024 (approx) | Graeme Ellis | "A Bridgesii clump out the front of an old house in Bendigo." | | 2024 (approx) | Graeme Ellis | "yes true. I have Dawsons bridgesii from along the fence line." | | 2024 (approx) | Adam Nielsen | "this is correct! There was a post a while back I'll try to find but yeah it's in a front garden somewhere in Bendigo, the Dawson's clone is 'Ben'" | | 2024 (approx) | Lance Richardson | "Unsure of the leaitimacy. but seems bout right at a glance... 🤷unsure https://www.shaman-australis.com/forum/index.php/topic/42617-origin-of-t-bridgesii-bendigo/" | | 2023 (approx) | Damian Ward | "There is three plants, any of the three could be your seeds if ppl paid attention to source material it wouldnt be so hard to work out what you have. Ben, a bridgie, is just ben, named before bendigo which isnt from dawson then there is the dawsons bendigo bridge." | | 2023 (approx) | Grant Nicholson | "Ben is a Bridgesii from Dawson’s Cactus garden in Australia." | ===== Contributor Confidence ===== ^ Speaker ^ Confidence ^ | Damian Ward | 8/10 | | Graeme Ellis | 7.5/10 | | Grant Nicholson | 7.5/10 | | Adam Nielsen | 7/10 | | Lance Richardson | 7/10 | ===== Credibility Notes ===== Damian Ward (8/10) is rated highly for providing a detailed, structured breakdown of the three distinct clones ('Ben', 'Bendigo', and 'Dawson's Bendigo Bridge') to resolve community confusion. Graeme Ellis (7.5/10) and Grant Nicholson (7.5/10) are rated highly for providing consistent, high-reputation information regarding the clone's physical location, the origin of the 'Ben' clone from Dawson's Cactus Garden, and personal cultivation history. Adam Nielsen (7/10) is rated highly for supporting the consensus with details regarding the clone's location in Bendigo. Lance Richardson (7/10) is included for providing a helpful historical reference link to the Shaman Australis forum, despite expressing personal uncertainty regarding the clone's legitimacy.