Addington

“Addington” is a New Zealand Trichocereus clone displaying morphological characteristics intermediate between Trichocereus pachanoi and Trichocereus peruvianus. The taxon is known to exhibit variable spine length, with juvenile growth presenting shorter spines typical of standard New Zealand pachanoi, while mature, massive specimens develop longer, more prominent spination characteristic of T. peruvianus. The epidermis is typically glaucous blue-green. Notably, the original stand exhibited occasional monstrose growth forms, though vegetative propagation of these mutated branches has been observed to revert to normal, ribbed growth.

The clone originates from a large, historic stand located in the suburb of Addington in Christchurch, New Zealand. According to the original property owner, the stand was established from five plants (or cuttings), leading to speculation that the site may have hosted multiple distinct genotypes, including standard New Zealand pachanoi and peruvianus-type plants.

Although the main stand was cut down, the original stumps remained and have since produced visible regrowth over the local fence line and garage. Cuttings were salvaged and distributed by local grower Graeme Wilson. A similar phenotype collected from the same grower's property on Lincoln Street was named “Lincoln” by Kaelish Davies, though community members note minor visual differences between the two. The clone also shares strong visual similarities with another local collection known as “Belfast” (sourced from El Willow).

“Addington” is a robust grower well-suited to the temperate maritime climate of Christchurch. It flowers reliably once established, making it a popular choice for regional hybridization efforts. Monstrose growth forms observed on the mother plant may not remain stable when propagated, often reverting to standard columnar growth. Standard Trichocereus cultivation practices apply: utilize a highly porous, mineral-gritty soil mix, provide deep watering during the active summer growing season, and ensure dry conditions during winter dormancy.