Mel/vin

“Mel/vin” refers to genetic material originating from a grower of the same name, encompassing both a columnar *Trichocereus pachanoi* type and a *Trichocereus bridgesii* type. The *T. pachanoi* selection is characterized by a green to glaucous epidermis and exhibits a distinct propensity for monstrose growth, occasionally producing cristate mutations while maintaining a columnar habit. The *T. bridgesii* form is notable for its tendency to grow columns with a reduced rib count, frequently presenting as a “four winds” phenotype (four ribs) with typical *T. bridgesii* spination and areole spacing.

The name “Mel/vin” is derived from a grower active in the Los Angeles area during the era of The Nook forum. The clone itself refers to specific mother plants kept in this grower's collection. The well-known grower Nitrogen utilized pollen from Mel/vin's garden to create various hybrid crosses, including a suspected “PC x Mel/vin” cross.

There is some community debate regarding the timeline of these genetics. A specimen in circulation was documented as being sown around 2014 or 2015, sourced from Chris Reeb, which was reportedly a revert from a monstrose plant. In a 2017 forum post, the grower mel/vin clarified that they maintained a monstrose-prone *T. pachanoi* and a “four winds” *T. bridgesii* form, the latter of which may have been the source of the pollen sent to Nitrogen.

Speculation within the community has occasionally linked Mel/vin to other clones. For example, some growers hypothesized that the clone “CSD” originated from PC x Mel/vin seed, though this has been corrected by community members who note that CSD is a cross of SS02 x Juuls Giant. Additionally, there is unverified speculation that the grower Melvin attempted to assign a name to the “PC” (Predominant Cultivar) clone.

While no specific cultivation requirements were detailed in the community discussion, standard *Trichocereus* care applies. These plants thrive in a highly porous, well-draining soil mix. They benefit from regular watering and fertilization during the active growing season, with a dry winter dormancy period. Provide bright, filtered light or full sun, adjusting for local climate intensity to prevent sunburn on the epidermis.