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Eileen
Description
Eileen is a clone of Trichocereus bridgesii (syn. Echinopsis lageniformis) characterized by its unique morphological traits. It is known to exhibit a thick stem caliper, which is exceptionally robust for a typical bridgesii. The spination is distinct, often presenting as short, thin, and frequently occurring as single spines per areole. The clone is also known to occasionally present in a four-ribbed (“4-winds”) configuration.
History & Origin
This clone originates from Australia. It was originally cultivated and distributed by the late Ed Stroud, a prominent member of the Shaman Australis Botanicals (SAB) community. The mother plant was located in the yard of Ed Stroud's mother, Eileen, after whom the clone was named. Due to the unusual thickness of the mother plant, there is ongoing community speculation that Eileen may be a hybrid rather than a pure T. bridgesii, though this remains unconfirmed.
Cultivation Notes
Unlike many T. bridgesii cultivars which are highly sensitive to moisture and prone to fungal humidity spots or root rot, Eileen is celebrated for its extreme rot resistance and moisture tolerance. Cultivators report that it can withstand heavy watering regimes, overhead sprinklers, and wet winters in cold climates (such as the South Island of New Zealand) without succumbing to rot, provided it is grown in a well-draining medium such as coco coir and pumice. It is described as a thirsty clone that responds well to regular feeding.
Community Discussion & Citations
The community discussion highlights Eileen's reputation as a highly resilient and aesthetically unique Australian clone. Growers frequently discuss its tolerance to wet conditions, which sets it apart from typical bridgesii cultivars.
| Date | Speaker | Confidence Score | Key Insight/Quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 (approx) | Luke Pike | 8 | “Eileen is a fairly rot resistant T. bridgesii clone originating from Australia. It was grown and distributed by the late Ed Stroud from SAB. The mother plant was growing in his mothers yard and her name was Eileen. There is some theories that it may be a hybrid, the mother plant was exceptionally thick for a bridge. Whether that was environmental or reflects that it might be hybridised is down to speculation” |
| 2025 (approx) | Eddie Columb | 7 | “my ones been sitting outside in nz through south island winters,doesn't dry out for a month or two sometimes” |
| 2022 (approx) | Christopher Winebrenner | 7 | “yes I actually have mine in a large plastic 10 gallon container sitting outside next to my tomatoes they get the sprinkler everyday for 25 minutes. Potted in coco and pumice with 2 x a week 1.5 tablespoons / gallon flora nova” |
Credibility Notes
Luke Pike provided detailed historical provenance regarding Ed Stroud, SAB, and the naming origin, which aligns with established Australian Trichocereus history. Eddie Columb and Christopher Winebrenner provided specific, first-hand cultivation data regarding the clone's moisture and cold tolerance, validating the community consensus on its rot resistance.
✍️ Contributors: vaugith