Pacific Cactus 'Hutchison 1597' x 'Yowie' - (Yearlings)

Pacific Cactus 'Hutchison 1597' x 'Yowie' refers to a specific hybrid cross within the Trichocereus genus (often synonymous with Echinopsis in modern taxonomy). This particular name indicates the parentage of the hybrid: 'Hutchison 1597' as one parent and 'Yowie' as the other.

Here's a breakdown of what is known about each parent and the resulting cross:

'Hutchison 1597' (P.C. Hutchison 1597):

Origin: This is a well-known clone of Trichocereus Pachanoi (San Pedro cactus). It was directly collected by Paul C. Hutchison in 1957 in the Huancabamba region of Peru. The specific collection data is often cited as BBG 57.0884, indicating its accession at the University of California Berkeley Botanical Garden (BBG).

Significance: 'Hutchison 1597' is considered a significant clone for serious collectors of Trichocereus due to its wild origin and historical collection. It is highly regarded within the cactus community.

Characteristics: While specific visual characteristics beyond being a T. Pachanoi are not extensively detailed, its value lies in its direct lineage from a collected wild specimen. It's often described as a "fat and healthy" cutting when sold. Sadly, the display specimens at UC Berkeley have periodically suffered from theft, leading to their removal from public display to allow recovery.

'Yowie':

Origin: 'Yowie' is a famous Australian clone of Trichocereus Pachanoi. It originated in Yarrawonga, Victoria, Australia. It's believed to have been imported to Australia from South America, possibly by the renowned cactus collector Harry Blossfeld.

Naming: The clone was introduced by a forum member named Marsha (formerly known as "Yowie") on the SAB (Shaman Australis Botanicals) forum, hence its common name. The mother plant of this clone is part of the "Australian Fields collection."

Characteristics:

Spination: A distinct characteristic of 'Yowie' is its unique spination, often consisting of two parallel spines per areole that point downwards.

Ribs: It's noted for having very pronounced ribs.
Appearance Variability: Its overall appearance is highly variable and greatly depends on its growing environment.
Similarity to Ecuadorian/Peruvian forms: Many consider 'Yowie' highly representative of Ecuadorian or Peruvian Trichocereus pachanoi genetics. Similar plants are found across Australia and the world, leading to some discussion about whether it's a true clone or a representative local type.

Growth: Like other T. Pachanoi, 'Yowie' is a fast-growing columnar cactus. Its stems are light to dark green, sometimes glaucous, and can grow up to 15cm in diameter with an average of 5-8 ribs. Spines can vary in length, often shorter in cultivated varieties, sometimes almost spineless.

The Hybrid 'Hutchison 1597' x 'Yowie':

When a hybrid is created by crossing two specific named clones, the goal is often to combine desirable traits from both parents or to create novel characteristics.

Genetics: This cross brings together the historically significant, wild-collected Peruvian genetics of 'Hutchison 1597' with the distinct and well-known Australian 'Yowie' clone. Since Trichocereus is generally self-sterile, seeds are produced with one father and one mother plant, which cannot be the same clone.

Expected Traits: While specific detailed characteristics of this particular hybrid would emerge from observing its growth, one could expect a combination of traits from both parents:

Robust growth and form typical of T. Pachanoi.

Potential for the unique 'Yowie' spination (two downward-pointing spines) or variations of it.

Influence of the 'Hutchison 1597' lineage in terms of overall vigor and appearance.
Availability: These types of specific crosses are often available as cuttings or seedlings from specialist cactus vendors, enthusiasts, or through online communities. You might find them listed by names like "Pacific Cactus 'Hutchison 1597' x 'Yowie'" or similar variations, indicating the seed producer if "Pacific Cactus" refers to a grower.

In summary, 'Hutchison 1597' x 'Yowie' represents a carefully selected cross between two highly regarded and distinct Trichocereus Pachanoi clones, promising a vigorous plant with interesting genetic potential.