Table of Contents
Serra
Description
*Trichocereus* 'Serra' is a distinctive columnar cactus, visually characterized by its notably thick stems, which Lawrence Smith described as “fat” for a plant of its potential size (up to 2 meters tall). The epidermis of new growth exhibits a striking, very blue, glaucous coloration, which persists even after three years of outdoor cultivation. The specimen pictured displays 6 prominent ribs. Spination on new growth is relatively short, reminiscent of *Trichocereus pachanoi*, while older growth features spines measuring 2-3 inches (approximately 5-7.5 cm) in length. These spines are noted to be shorter than those typically found on young *Trichocereus bridgesii*. A key identifying feature is the areoles, which possess a distinct and definite upward tilt, a characteristic noted as unusual compared to other *Trichocereus pachanoi* observed in New Zealand.
History & Origin
The clone 'Serra' was named by Lawrence Smith, who identified it as a unique specimen within New Zealand. Smith initially considered it a *Trichocereus pachanoi* but later re-evaluated its characteristics, leaning towards classifying it as a “definite bridgesoid.” He speculated a possible relation to the 'backeberg / pc clone', though he noted that the 'pc clone' itself had not been sighted in New Zealand at the time of his observation. Smith's decision to name it 'Serra' stemmed from its perceived uniqueness within the New Zealand cactus landscape.
Cultivation Notes
'Serra' demonstrates robust growth, capable of reaching significant heights, with observed specimens reaching 2 meters. Its glaucous, blue epidermis is maintained even when the plant is grown outdoors for extended periods (e.g., three years), suggesting good sun tolerance and stable coloration under typical outdoor conditions. Its “fat” growth habit indicates a vigorous and substantial columnar form.
Community Discussion & Citations
Analysis of the provided discussion.
| Speaker | Confidence Score | Key Insight/Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Lawrence Smith | 10 | “I've not seen anything like this in my travels in NZ to date (but that's not saying a whole lot).” |
| Lawrence Smith | 10 | “My initial guess of pachanoi was clearly off the mark. Now I am leaning toward definite bridgesoid, possibly related to the 'backeberg / pc clone'.” |
| Lawrence Smith | 10 | “The new growth has short spines like a pachanoi, however as you can see on the oldest growth the spines are 2-3” long. I have young bridgesii with spines longer than this.“ |
| Lawrence Smith | 10 | “The new growth is very blue despite the plant having been outside for 3 years” |
| Lawrence Smith | 10 | “It's fat, fatter than I expected a bridge of this size to be (2m tall), but then again I haven't seen a mature bridge in person” |
| Lawrence Smith | 10 | “The areoles have a distinct and definite upward tilt, quite unlike any other pachanoi seen in NZ.” |
| Lawrence Smith | 10 | “As it seems rather unique to NZ, I'm calling it 'Serra'” |
| Lawrence Smith | 10 | “This is a spicy or athletic or high mescaline producing clone.” |
Credibility Notes
Lawrence Smith is assigned a Confidence Score of 10/10 due to the user's explicit override, recognizing him as a highly authoritative expert in the field. His detailed observations, comparative analysis with other known clones (*Trichocereus pachanoi*, *Trichocereus bridgesii*, 'backeberg / pc clone'), and clear articulation of the plant's unique features within the New Zealand context underscore the reliability and value of his statements. His additional insight regarding the plant's chemical profile further contributes to the comprehensive understanding of this clone.
✍️ Contributors: medicactus · started by medicactus