Lumberjack (Rooted Plants)

CV. Lumberjack is a widely recognized and sought-after clone within the Trichocereus community. It has a notable origin story and distinctive characteristics.

Here's what is known about CV. Lumberjack:

1. Origin Story:

Discovery in a Hardware Store: Lumberjack's origin traces back to a plant purchased by Joe Lev from a "Lumberjack building supply store" (a high street hardware shop) in Sacramento, California, in 2001.
Initial Identification: Joe Lev, being relatively new to growing cacti at the time, initially thought it looked like a Trichocereus Pachanoi but noted its "wicked big spines."
Naming: He jokingly gave it the "fake Latin name" "lumberjackius," which was later shortened to "lumberjackus" and then simply "Lumberjack" by the community.
2. Classification and Hybrid Nature:

Debate: There's ongoing discussion among collectors about its exact classification.
Most commonly considered Trichocereus Bridgesii (or Echinopsis lageniformis): Many growers categorize it as a form of Bridgesii due to its typical double-pair spination, fat body, and overall appearance.

Possible Hybrid: Joe Lev himself, and many collectors, believe it appears to be a Trichocereus Peruvianus / Trichocereus Bridgesii hybrid. It's often described as being "like a fat bridg or a Peruvianus with less spines per pad." Some even suggest a Pachanoi component.
Strange Botanical Form: It has been conjectured that it might be a "strange botanical form" of Trichocereus Bridgesii, with some similarities to populations from Isla del Sol.
Regardless of exact lineage, it's widely agreed to be a beautiful addition to any Trichocereus collection.

3. Key Characteristics:

Appearance:
Typically produces fat Bridgesii-type plants.
Often has a dark-blue-green color.
Displays the species' typical double-pair spination. However, it can also produce both short-spined and more traditional bridgesii-type plants depending on environment.
New growth can sometimes exhibit a "beautiful blue color."
Growth Habit:
Known for being a fast grower.
Can grow to approximately six meters (twenty feet) tall once mature, with basal-branching stems reaching roughly twenty centimeters (eight inches) in diameter.
Occasionally exhibits semi-monstrose mutation, where its growth pattern becomes somewhat irregular or knobby.
Flowering: It is known to flower abundantly and frequently. Its flowers are white to whitish.

4. Popularity and Use in Breeding:

Highly Sought After: "Lumberjack" is an "extremely desirable" and "hugely sought-after clone" due to its vigor, aesthetics, and unique characteristics.

Prominent Breeding Parent: It is extensively used by prominent US breeders like Misplant and Nitrogen in their hybridization programs. Crosses involving Lumberjack are known to produce "incredible spine formations.

5. Cultivation:

Growing "Lumberjack" is similar to cultivating other Trichocereus bridgesii cultivars.
Prefers a well-drained soil mix (e.g., equal parts soil and perlite).
Requires adequate nutrition, water, and sunlight.
Watering should be reduced during colder winter months.
Avoid prolonged exposure to frost or freezing temperatures.

In summary, CV. Lumberjack is a fascinating and highly popular Trichocereus clone, likely a bridgesii or bridgesii/peruvianus hybrid, discovered by Joe Lev in a hardware store. It's cherished for its fast growth, robust form, often dark blue-green color, and the distinctive spination of its bridgesii characteristics, making it a favorite for both collectors and breeders.