Trichocereus atacamensis sub sp. atacamensis “Cardon Grandé”

A native to small portions of the Chilean Atacama desert. Archeologically significant in that the spines of this cactus were found in the Anadenanthera colubrina snuff kits used among the Tiahuanaco culture. The spines were used to clean out the ritual snuff tubes. The cactus was traditionally valued for its strongly stimulating properties. Plants can become quite large and tree-like, reaching heights of 10 meters. Stems can reach nearly 3” in diameter with 20 to 30 ribs.

The areoles become large with 50 to 100 spines. Flowers white with rose-colored tint. The wood from these cacti are used in furniture making and as firewood. Cold hardy to 15 degrees. Specimens are 3” tall.

Click here to email this page to a friend