Star Ayacucho (Rooted Plants)

About 'Star Ayacucho':

Origin: The "Ayacucho" in its name refers to Ayacucho, Peru. This cultivar is said to originate from a mother plant that has been cultivated by a family in Ayacucho, Peru, for generations for its medicinal properties. When a member of this family moved to the United States, they brought cuttings of the plant with them, thus introducing it to the wider cultivation community.

Source: It is often associated with a person named "Star" who distributed cuttings of this clone. "Star's Ayacucho" and "Ayacucho Star" are common ways it's referred to.

Characteristics: While specific detailed descriptions of its physical characteristics aren't always explicitly listed, it is generally considered a "true Pachanoi" (meaning it's not one of the "PC" or predominant cultivar types that are very common but sometimes differ from what is considered a classic T. Pachanoi). It's known to be a robust grower, capable of reaching significant size. Some growers have reported it to be a good plant for crosses, indicating it can flower and produce seeds.

Lineage (Possible Connections): Some old forum posts suggest that a "Malo's Ayacucho" clone, which might be related, was imported from Karel Knize, a well-known cactus collector. It's also been suggested that it fits within a complex of similar clones like LER/JS350a/Torres/Texas Torch. However, the 'Star Ayacucho' narrative generally points to a more direct, family-cultivated origin from Peru.

Who is "Ayacucho" named after?

The name "Ayacucho" refers to a city in the south-central Andes of Peru. The city itself has a deep and significant history:

Original Name: The city was originally founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1539 as "San Juan de la Frontera de Huamanga," often shortened to Huamanga. This name is still used by locals as an alternative.

Renaming to Ayacucho: The city was renamed Ayacucho by Simón Bolívar on February 15, 1825, in honor of the Battle of Ayacucho. This pivotal battle, fought on December 9, 1824, in the nearby Pampa de la Quinua, was a decisive victory for the pro-independence forces of South America, effectively securing Peru's independence from Spain and playing a crucial role in the independence of other South American countries.

Meaning of Ayacucho: The name "Ayacucho" comes from the Quechua words "aya" (meaning "death" or "soul") and "k'uchu" (meaning "corner"). Thus, "Ayacucho" can be translated as "corner of the dead" or "souls' dwelling," referencing the significant number of casualties from the battles that took place in the area, particularly the Battle of Ayacucho.

Historical Significance: Ayacucho has a long and often turbulent history, from pre-Inca civilizations and Inca conquest to the Spanish colonial period and later, tragically, as a center of conflict during the Shining Path insurgency in the late 20th century. Today, it's known for its colonial architecture, numerous churches (earning it the nickname "City of Churches"), and vibrant cultural traditions.

In summary, Trichocereus CV 'Star Ayacucho' is a sought-after San Pedro cactus clone believed to have originated from a traditionally cultivated plant in Ayacucho, Peru, and popularized by a distributor known as "Star." The name "Ayacucho" itself is a tribute to a historically significant battle that secured Peruvian independence, meaning "corner of the dead" in Quechua.