Eileen

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.

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.

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.