Emma

“Emma” is a clone whose botanical classification remains a subject of debate within the community. While some sources associate it with Trichocereus bridgesii, other growers note morphological features that deviate from typical *bridgesii* traits. The plant exhibits large convex areoles and distinct notches, which some community members compare to *T. knuthianus*, *T. puquiensis* (or clone HB01), or hybrids of “Torres & Torres” and “Yowie”.

According to community observations, the spine morphology features bases that do not align with the typical rectangular bases of pure *bridgesii*, suggesting a potential *T. macrogonus* ancestry or hybrid origin.

The origin of the name “Emma” involves two distinct threads in the community:

• Bob Baker's Clone: Bob Baker named a personal, unnamed *bridgesii* specimen “Emma” circa 2015 after it flowered, solely to track its pollen for breeding. He used it to produce three distinct “bridgesii x bridgesii” crosses (including potential crosses with clones “Brad” or “Bertha” distributed via Misplant). Bob Baker stated he never shared the original “Emma” mother plant with anyone.
• Commercial/Circulating Clone: A clone circulating under the name “Emma” (often sourced as seed or seedlings from Misplant crosses, such as “Emma x Brad” or “Emma x Bertha”) is grown in the wider community. The exact original source of the mother plant used in these crosses was forgotten.

No specific cultivation requirements were detailed in the discussion. Standard care for *Trichocereus* species applies: grow in a highly gritty, well-draining soil mix, provide ample sunlight, and water deeply only when the substrate is completely dry. Protect from severe frost and extreme weather events, as the original mother plant was noted to have suffered a major weather-related setback.

The discussion centers on whether “Emma” is a pure bridgesii or a hybrid, alongside clarification from Bob Baker regarding the naming and distribution of his crosses.

* Bob Baker (Confidence:: Designated as an expert override. He is the breeder who originally named the clone “Emma” for his breeding projects, providing direct historical facts about the 2015 crosses and the distribution of the pollen.