Trichocereus Macrogonus is an old name for what is now considered Trichocereus Peruvianus. The originally described plant may have been distinct but today there are numerous different forms getting around by the name in horticulture, and they all are what would be considered Peruvianus.
Trichocereus Peruvianus, the Peruvian Torch Cactus or San Pedro Macho, is a fast-growing columnar cactus native to the western slope of the Andes in Peru, between about 2,000–3,000 m (6,600–9,800 ft) above sea level. Trichocereus Peruvianus has a long history of being used in Andean traditional medicine. Archeological studies have found evidence of use going back two thousand years, to Moche culture. Currently it is believed to help with nervous conditions, joint problems, drug addictions, cardiac disease, and high blood pressure. Trichocereus Peruvianus contains hordenine and "it has been shown that hordenine, N,N-Dimethyl-hydroxyphenylethylamine, exhibits an inhibitory action against at least 18 strains of penicillin resistant Staphylococcus bacteria.
The plant is bluish-green in colour, with frosted stems, and 6-9 broadly rounded ribs; it has large, white flowers. It can grow up to 3-6 meters tall, with stems up to 8-18 cm in diameter; it is fully erect to begin with, but later possibly arching over, or even becoming prostrate. Groups of 6-8 either red or honey-coloured to brown rigid spines, up to 4 cm in length, with most about 1 cm, are located at the nodes, which are evenly spaced along the ribs, up to approximately 2.5 cm apart.
From Villa Abecia, Bolivia. Got this from an online vendor. Could turn out to be anything coming from Knize but so far looks to be what it is supposed to be. But it is far to small to be sure, we'll see ~*
5th May 2012 Update~*
Picked up another one of these from an online vendor. Is a larger plant that has had some spines cut for postage. Looks good :)
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