Huarazensis (Malo) - (Rooted Plants)

"Huarazensis (Malo)" refers to a specific and highly regarded Trichocereus clone that has a notable history within the cactus community. The "(Malo)" indicates its specific lineage and distribution.

Here's what is known about it:

Origin and Lineage:

Geographical Origin: "Huarazensis" refers to Huaraz, Peru, a region known for its Trichocereus populations. Cacti often get their names from their collection localities.

Karel Kníže Connection: This particular clone was sourced directly by "Malo" (a prominent member of a cactus enthusiast forum, often referred to as "the Nook") from Karel Kníže. Kníže was a collector and exporter of cacti from South America, and many significant Trichocereus clones in cultivation trace their lineage back to his collections.

Malo's Role: Malo imported this plant (and other "pachanoid type plants") from Kníže and then distributed cuttings within the community, cementing its reputation. This is why it's often called "Malo's Huarazensis."

Species Classification: While named "Huarazensis," it's generally considered to be a variety or strain of Trichocereus pachanoi (San Pedro cactus). Some sources even suggest it's Trichocereus pachanoi var. Huarazensis. There can be confusion in Trichocereus nomenclature, with various forms from the Huaraz region sometimes being labeled similarly. However, the specific "Malo" clone is distinct due to its known lineage.

"Malo4" Connection: There are references to "Malo4" being a hybrid involving Huarazensis and Scopulicola. While "Malo's Huarazensis" refers to the original plant, "Malo4" (and other "Malo" numbered clones like Malo3, Malo5, etc.) are often specific F1 or F2 seedlings from Misplant's garden (another prominent breeder) that originated from Malo's plants and were given numbers to track their pollen and characteristics. Malo4, for instance, is often described as a Huarazensis x Scopulicola or Scopulicola x Huarazensis cross, valued for its vigor and prolific flowering.

Key Characteristics (of Malo's Huarazensis):

Growth Habit: It's known to be an "absolute beast of a plant," growing with massive girth and developing into large columns.

Spines: It's often described as having short spines, or even being near-spineless in some expressions, similar to some Trichocereus pachanoi forms.

Flowers: It produces quite large flowers, which are typical of the Trichocereus genus (large, white, and nocturnal). It's also noted as an "early bloomer & bloom all season."

Color: Described as deep dark green.

Disease Resistance: Some descriptions mention it appearing very disease resistant, unlike some scopulicola strains.

Vigor: It's highly valued for its vigor and fast growth rate.

Cultivation and Availability:
High Demand: After 20+ years in cultivation, "Malo's Huarazensis" remains in high demand within the Trichocereus community, indicating its desirable traits.

Propagation: It's widely propagated from cuttings. It's also extensively used in hybridization programs, particularly by breeders like Misplant, who have created numerous crosses using Malo's Huarazensis genetics (e.g., Huarazensis x Scop).

Collectibility: Due to its clear provenance and excellent growth characteristics, 'Huarazensis (Malo)' is a significant collector's plant.

In summary, 'Huarazensis (Malo)' is a specific and robust clone of Trichocereus pachanoi that originated from Karel Kníže's collection, introduced to the wider cactus community by "Malo." It's prized for its vigorous, thick columnar growth, often short spines, deep green color, and its important role in Trichocereus hybridization.