Maipu (Cuttings)

"Maipu": A Sought-After Cultivar of the San Pedro Cactus

The cactus cultivar CV "Maipu" is a notable and increasingly popular clone of the San Pedro cactus, scientifically known as Echinopsis pachanoi (a species frequently still referred to by its former classification, Trichocereus pachanoi). Its origins trace back to a specific nursery in Chile, and it is primarily recognized for its vigorous growth and use as a grafting stock.

Origin and Naming

The name "Maipu" is geographical, directly linked to its place of origin. It was first identified and distributed from a nursery named "Cactus Maipu," located in the Maipú commune of Santiago, Chile. This connection to a specific nursery is a key part of the cultivar's identity and history within the cactus collecting community. The subsequent appearance of names like "Maipu New Zealand Pachanoi" indicates the clone's circulation and cultivation by enthusiasts and nurseries in other parts of the world.

Botanical Identity

"Maipu" is not a distinct species but rather a specific genetic clone of Echinopsis pachanoi. As a cultivar, it is propagated vegetatively, most commonly through cuttings, to ensure that the resulting plants are genetically identical to the parent. This practice maintains the specific traits of the "Maipu" clone.

Morphological Characteristics

While a precise and universally agreed-upon set of distinguishing morphological features for "Maipu" is not extensively documented in formal botanical literature, some characteristics are noted by growers and collectors. Generally, it exhibits the typical features of Echinopsis pachanoi:

• Form: A columnar cactus that can grow quite tall, often with multiple branches from the base.

• Color: The stem is typically a shade of green, which can vary depending on growing conditions.

• Ribs: The number of ribs is consistent with the variable nature of the species, usually ranging from 6 to 8.

• Spines: Like many Echinopsis pachanoi clones, the spine length and number can be variable. Some "Maipu" specimens may have short spines or be nearly spineless.

What truly sets "Maipu" apart for many in the horticultural community is its vigor. It is known to be a fast-growing and robust plant, which has led to its widespread use as a grafting stock. Cacti that are slow-growing, have weak root systems, or are otherwise difficult to cultivate on their own are often grafted onto a vigorous rootstock like "Maipu" to accelerate their growth.

Cultivation and Use

The cultivation of "Maipu" is similar to that of other San Pedro cacti. It thrives in well-draining soil and requires ample sunlight. As a vigorous grower, it may appreciate more frequent watering and feeding during its growing season compared to slower-growing cactus species.

Beyond its horticultural value as a robust grower and grafting stock, Echinopsis pachanoi in general has a long history of use in traditional medicine and shamanic rituals in its native Andean region due to the presence of psychoactive alkaloids, most notably mescaline.

In summary, the cactus CV "Maipu" is a significant cultivar of Echinopsis pachanoi with a clear origin story tied to a Chilean nursery. While it shares the general characteristics of its species, it is particularly esteemed for its vigorous growth, making it a valuable plant for both collectors and for use as a reliable grafting stock. Its distinct identity is primarily rooted in its lineage and horticultural utility rather than a set of unique, formally described morphological traits.

Highly collectable and reminiscent of Ogun. Is Maipu the new Ogun? Sorta seems like it lately. It’s prettier than Ogun (better color IMO + smoother) but, who knows the full story behind it and why it fetches such high prices. If anyone wants to share information on this CV. I am interested in adding it to this description. This is a special plant. Please send any information on Maipu to seedgrowncacti@gmail.com.