SS02 x OGUN (Yearlings)

"SS02" is a highly regarded and much-sought-after cultivar of Trichocereus bridgesii, also known as the Bolivian Torch cactus (syn. Echinopsis lageniformis).

Here's a breakdown of what's known about "SS02":

Origin and History:

Sacred Succulents: "SS02" was brought into cultivation by Ben Kamm and his nursery, Sacred Succulents, which is why it bears the "SS" designation.
Ed and Betty Gay's Collection: The original plant came from the now-defunct Serra Gardens in Malibu, which had inherited the collection of Ed and Betty Gay. The Gays were known for collecting plants throughout Central and South America from the 1930s to the 1950s, suggesting "SS02" likely originated from their expeditions.
Likely Bolivian Origin: Its appearance is similar to ecotypes observed around the La Paz basin in Bolivia, which is a native region for Trichocereus bridgesii.
Characteristics:

Columnar Growth: Like other Trichocereus bridgesii, "SS02" is a columnar cactus that can reach impressive heights, potentially up to 6 meters (about 20 feet) tall.

Stems: It forms blue-green stems up to 20 centimeters (about 8 inches) in diameter, which branch from the plant's base.

Ribs: Sacred Succulents' description mentions 5-7 ribs.

Spines: "SS02" is generally described as a relatively short-spined variety, with areoles bearing 2-4 central spines up to 1.5 inches long. However, some mature specimens can develop more prominent, double spination. New growth on older stems can sometimes be spineless.

Flowers: It produces white, nocturnal (night-blooming) flowers.

Cold Hardiness: It is considered cold-hardy to about 25° Fahrenheit (-3.9° Celsius).

Growth Rate: In ideal conditions, it can grow roughly 30 centimeters (about 1 foot) per year.

Significance and Use in Cultivation:

Hybrid Parent: "SS02" is highly valued in the cactus community for its genetic qualities and is frequently used in hybridization. It's known to produce a wide variety of "mind-boggling" and unique offspring when crossed with other Trichocereus species and cultivars. Many popular hybrids in circulation have "SS02" as a parent.

Distinctive Form: It's considered a distinct form of Trichocereus bridgesii.

Easy to Grow: "SS02" is generally easy to grow both indoors and outdoors in USDA Zones 8-10. It thrives in fertile, free-draining soil and with regular watering during the growing season.

In summary, "SS02" is a historically significant and highly desirable clone of Trichocereus bridgesii, recognized for its distinct characteristics and its prolific use in creating diverse and appealing cactus hybrids

Ogunbodede (The Cactus Cultivar):

•  San Pedro Cactus (Trichocereus pachanoi): This is a columnar cactus native to the Andean mountains of South America, known for its traditional use in medicine and religious practices by indigenous peoples for thousands of years. It's also a popular ornamental cactus.
•  "Ogunbodede" Cultivar: This is a highly sought-after and recognized cultivar (a specific cultivated variety) of Trichocereus pachanoi. It is described as a rare, short-spined pure pachanoi that originated from the Matucana region in Peru.
•  Collector's Item: Due to its history and the scientific data associated with it (see below), "Ogunbodede" has become a "cult plant" among serious cactus collectors and enthusiasts.
•  Propagation: Like many San Pedro cacti, "Ogunbodede" is easy to grow and can be propagated by cuttings.

2. Ogunbodede (The Researcher and His Work - "CV" in the context of academic/research contributions):

•  Olabode Ogunbodede: This refers to a researcher who conducted significant studies on the alkaloid profiles of various Echinopsis (formerly Trichocereus) species and cultivars, including the "Ogunbodede" cultivar itself.
•  Scientific Data and Publication: Olabode Ogunbodede (and his co-authors) published a peer-reviewed article in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2010) titled "New mescaline concentrations from 14 taxa/cultivars of Echinopsis spp. (Cactaceae) (“San Pedro”) and their relevance to shamanic practice." This paper determined the mescaline concentrations in the stem tissue of various cacti.
•  Significance: The research by Ogunbodede et al. provided scientific data on the chemical composition of these cacti, which helped to support the hypothesis that plants with the highest mescaline concentrations (particularly E. pachanoi from Peru) are most associated with documented shamanic use. The "Ogunbodede" cultivar was among those investigated, and its alkaloid profile was described and compared to others.

In summary, when you hear "cactus CV Ogunbodede," it points to:

• "Ogunbodede" as a specific and highly valued variety of the San Pedro cactus (Trichocereus pachanoi).
• The scientific research conducted by Olabode Ogunbodede and his team on the alkaloid content of this and other similar cacti, which has contributed to our understanding of their traditional uses.

It's important to distinguish "CV" in this context from a "Curriculum Vitae" (a resume for academic/research purposes), though the research itself would be part of Olabode Ogunbodede's academic CV. The usage here is more about the "characterization" or "cultivar" aspect of the cactus that was part of the research.