SS Huancabamba (Rooted Plants)

SS Huancabamba" typically refers to a specific, well-known Trichocereus clone that originates from the Huancabamba region of Peru. The "SS" prefix indicates its lineage from Sacred Succulents, a prominent nursery and ethnobotanical preserve known for its extensive collection and propagation of Trichocereus species.
Here's what is known about 'SS Huancabamba':
Origin and Lineage:
Geographical Origin: It comes from the Huancabamba region in northern Peru. Huancabamba is famous as a spiritual center, home to traditional healers (curanderos) and sacred lagoons in the Andean foothills.
Species Classification: It's often classified as Trichocereus peruvianus var. Huancabamba or simply Trichocereus peruvianus 'Huancabamba'. However, there's ongoing discussion and some debate within the cactus community and botanical circles about whether it might be a Trichocereus pachanoi or a natural hybrid between T. peruvianus and T. pachanoi due to its variable appearance in seedlings. Some sources explicitly state it's a pachanoi with a "peruvianoid" look.
"SS" Prefix: The "SS" indicates that this particular clone (or a specific lineage of seeds) was propagated and distributed by Sacred Succulents, making it a well-documented and sought-after variety in cultivation. Many "seed-grown plants have the name huancabamba," with "most in circulation were grown from seed by Sacred Succulents."
Key Characteristics:
Growth Form: It's a tall, stately, columnar cactus. Like other Trichocereus, it's known for its relatively fast growth rate, potentially reaching up to 18 inches per year in ideal conditions and becoming quite tall (up to 20 feet in the wild).
Appearance: It generally exhibits characteristics associated with Trichocereus peruvianus or a robust pachanoi. While specific visual details can vary among seedlings, it's typically a blue-green to dark green columnar cactus.
Spines: It can have varying spine characteristics, but it's often associated with the longer, more prominent spines sometimes seen in T. peruvianus.
Hardiness: Like most columnar Trichocereus species, it's relatively frost-hardy, able to withstand temperatures down to around 26°F (-3°C), but it's unlikely to survive year-round below USDA Zone 9. They are also known to tolerate overwatering more than many other cacti.
Flowers: It produces spectacularly beautiful, white, nocturnal flowers, typical of the Trichocereus genus.
Ethnobotanical Significance: The Huancabamba region has a rich history of traditional use of Trichocereus cacti in spiritual and medicinal ceremonies. This clone's origin links it directly to this cultural heritage.
Cultivation and Availability:
Propagation: It's widely propagated from both cuttings and seeds. Seeds from 'SS Huancabamba' are popular due to their known provenance.
Popularity: 'SS Huancabamba' is a well-known and valued clone within the Trichocereus collecting community, often seen as a "true representative of ceremonial pachanoi from north Peru" or a classic peruvianus variety.
Hybridization: It's sometimes used in hybridization, as evidenced by crosses like "Juuls x Huancabamba" (where 'Huancabamba' would be the male parent in this context, assuming Juul's is the female).
In summary, 'SS Huancabamba' is a significant Trichocereus clone, valued for its strong growth, connection to ethnobotanical traditions, and "landrace" characteristics derived from the renowned Huancabamba region of Peru, distributed by Sacred Succulents. Its exact classification (pure peruvianus vs. pachanoi or hybrid) remains a point of interest and discussion among enthusiasts.