Serra Blue

CV. Serra Blue typically refers to a specific cultivar or clone of Trichocereus peruvianus, often shortened to "Serra Blue." It's a highly sought-after cactus among collectors, particularly known for its striking appearance and lineage.
Here's a breakdown of what's known about it:
Origin and Lineage:
"Serra Blue" is a classic clone introduced into cultivation by Don at Serra Gardens (hence the "Serra" in its name).
It originated from field-collected specimens by renowned botanists, making it a "landrace" variety, meaning it's a naturally occurring, unhybridized form from a specific geographic area, rather than a man-made cross.
It's a form of Trichocereus peruvianus (also known as Echinopsis peruviana), a species native to the Andes mountains of Peru.
Key Characteristics:
Color: As its name suggests, "Serra Blue" is known for its beautiful blue to deep green stem color, often with a glaucous (waxy, powdery blue) coating. This blue hue is particularly pronounced when grown in full sun.
Form: It typically develops thick, robust stems, which can grow quite large (some reports mention over 6 inches thick and several feet tall).
Ribs: It usually has a good number of ribs (around 9-11), which can sometimes display "V" formations, a trait occasionally seen in Trichocereus peruvianus.
Spines: A notable feature of "Serra Blue" is its long and vivid spines. New growth often starts with yellow spines that fade to reddish-black and then become jet black with age. Spines can reach over 3 inches in length.
Growth Rate: While some individuals have reported it to be a slower grower initially, it can eventually become a "beast" and grow quite thick.
Flowers: Like many Trichocereus species, it produces large, showy, white, funnel-shaped flowers, often at night or early morning. (While not specifically detailed for 'Serra Blue' in the search results, it's a common characteristic of its species).
Resilience: It's often described as a robust and hardy cactus, thriving in full sun outdoors, especially in climates like Southern California.
Cultivation and Availability:
"Serra Blue" is often propagated from cuttings, and rooted plants or tip cuttings are commonly sold by specialized cactus nurseries and collectors.
It's also used in hybridization programs, so you might find "Serra Blue" crosses (e.g., 'Serra Blue' x pachanoi) available, which can exhibit a mix of characteristics from both parent plants.
Due to its desirable traits and "landrace" status, pure "Serra Blue" cuttings can be highly sought after and may be less commonly available than some hybrids.
In summary, "Serra Blue" is a classic and highly prized Trichocereus peruvianus cultivar, distinguished by its impressive blue coloration, thick growth, and striking black spines. It's a testament to the beauty and diversity found within the world of columnar cacti.