Althea x BBG 48.1540

'Althea' is a specific cultivar of Trichocereus Peruvianus (often synonymous with Echinopsis peruviana), a columnar cactus native to the Matucana mountain region of Peru. It's a relatively new and rare cultivar, gaining popularity among cactus enthusiasts.

Here's a breakdown of what's known about 'Althea':

Origin and Characteristics:

Cultivar, not a variety: 'Althea' is a cultivar (CV), meaning it's a specific plant selected for unique traits and propagated clonally (e.g., through cuttings or grafting). It's not a naturally occurring botanical variety.

Parentage: It originates from Trichocereus peruvianus seeds, specifically from a US-based grower named "GeeBee" who isolated, cloned, and distributed it to the community. It's also linked to "IcarosDNA" seeds from the Wild Andes.

Appearance:

Glaucous: 'Althea' is known for being extremely glaucous, meaning it has a bluish-white or grayish-white waxy coating on its stem.

Short Spines: It typically has short spines.

Girth: It tends to favor girth, meaning it produces thick, robust columns.

Growth Rate: It's considered a slow grower, possibly even slower than other Trichocereus cultivars like 'Sharxx Blue'.

Flowers: Like most Trichocereus species, 'Althea' produces large, white, night-blooming flowers with black or brown hairs along the tube leading to the flower.

General Trichocereus Characteristics (likely applicable to 'Althea'):

Columnar Growth: They are generally tall, green columnar cacti with vertical ribs.

Branching: They have a strong tendency to branch and form candelabra-like structures as they mature.

Native Habitat: Native to the Andes Mountains (Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, northern Chile), thriving at altitudes of 2,000 to 3,000 meters above sea level. This habitat makes them relatively resilient to diverse weather conditions, including fluctuating temperatures.

Traditional Uses: Historically used in traditional medicine and veterinary medicine.

Ornamental: Widely grown as an ornamental cactus due to their striking appearance.

Care and Cultivation (general Trichocereus care, applicable to 'Althea'):

Sunlight: Thrives in ample sunlight. Full sun is preferred, but they can tolerate partial shade. If grown indoors, a south or west-facing window is ideal. Protect from extreme midday scorching sun, especially in hot climates.

Soil: Requires well-draining soil. A cactus potting mix or a blend of potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite (or pumice, akadama, crushed lava rock) works well. The key is to ensure quick drainage to prevent root rot.

Watering:

Growing Season (Spring to early Autumn): Water regularly, allowing the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Less frequent watering is better than overwatering.

Dormancy (Winter): Reduce watering significantly, or stop altogether, especially in cooler temperatures. They do not like to be wet for long periods during dormancy.

Fertilization: Organic matter and mulch can provide sufficient nutrients, so frequent fertilizing isn't always necessary. If there are signs of nutrient deficiency (stunted growth, yellowish leaves), apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20 NPK) during the peak of summer. Some growers use a low-nitrogen fertilizer at the start and end of the season.

Temperature: Can withstand relatively low temperatures (down to 0°C to -5°C) if kept dry during winter dormancy. Some reports suggest they can even tolerate -10°C.

Airflow: Good airflow is important, especially when grown indoors or in humid environments, to prevent fungal issues.

Potting: Wide and shallow containers with good drainage are recommended to allow for root growth. Consider uprooting annually to check if the plant needs more space.

Propagation: Can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Cuttings are a popular method for 'Althea' to ensure clone fidelity.

All information provided here is for horticultural and ornamental interest.

CV. BBG 48.1540 is a highly sought-after and distinctive clone of Trichocereus Peruvianus (Peruvian Torch Cactus).

Here's what makes it notable:

Origin: Berkeley Botanical Garden (BBG)
The "BBG" in its name signifies its origin from the University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley (often informally referred to as the Berkeley Botanical Garden).
The number "48.1540" is an accession number, a unique identifier assigned by the botanical garden to track specific plants in their collection. This indicates it's a well-documented and historically significant plant.
It was likely acquired by the botanical garden during one of their numerous plant expeditions to South America, particularly the Andes, which occurred from the 1920s to the 1960s.

Key Characteristics:

"Blue Peruvianus": It is primarily known for its striking, deep blue coloration, often described as a "powder deep blue" and considered one of the bluest of all cacti. This glaucous (waxy, powdery) coating is a highly desirable trait.

Gigantic Girth: When mature, it's known to achieve "absolutely gigantic girth," making it a very robust and impressive specimen.

Patterning: It often develops nice patterning on its stem as it grows.
Unique Colored Spines: The spines are described as having "unique colored spines," which can vary and add to its aesthetic appeal.

Popularity and Value:
Highly Sought After: BBG 48.1540 is considered a "highly sought after" clone within the Trichocereus collecting community.

High-End Cultivar: It's often referred to as a "very expensive high-end cultivar," reflecting its rarity and desirability. Cuttings can command high prices in auctions and sales.

"Sharxx American" / "Sharxx Blue" connection: While not directly named "Sharxx," some in the community occasionally refer to it as "Sharxx American" due to its similarities to the highly regarded "Sharxx Blue" clone (which is also a Trichocereus Peruvianus known for its intense blue).

Cultivation:
As a Trichocereus Peruvianus, it would thrive in well-draining soil, plenty of sunlight, and moderate watering during its growing season.
Like most Trichocereus, it's relatively hardy but susceptible to overwatering, especially in cold or humid conditions.

In summary, CV. BBG 48.1540 is a prestigious and highly valued Trichocereus Peruvianus clone, directly sourced from the historical collection of the Berkeley Botanical Garden. Its most prominent features are its incredibly deep blue color, massive girth at maturity, and unique spine characteristics, making it a true gem for serious cactus collectors.