Pachycereus pecten aboriginum INDIAN COMB (10 seeds)

Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, also known as Indian Comb, is a cactus from the Cactaceae family. This shamanic cactus is found in Mexico, North America. Its growth is relatively fast, reaching 4 to 6 meters in height in its native country.

Its stems are cylindrical, erect, and can reach several meters in height. Grayish-green to olive-green in color, they feature a branched structure shaped like a candelabra. Each stem is marked by 10 to 12 prominent longitudinal ribs, bordered by areoles bearing robust gray or whitish spines. Flowering occurs on the upper part of the stems.

The flowers are shaped like wide funnels, measuring 7 to 10 centimeters long. They display petals of pure white or slightly cream on the inside, while the outside is often tinged with brown or purple. These flowers are nocturnal, opening at nightfall to be pollinated by bats.

The fruit is the most characteristic feature of this species. It is a round berry measuring 6 to 7 centimeters in diameter, entirely covered in a dense sheath of flexible, tightly packed spines.

Upon maturity, the fruit becomes dry and splits open, revealing a fleshy red pulp. Inside the pulp are numerous small, shiny black seeds. They are relatively large for a cactus, ovoid in shape, and have a smooth surface.

- Uses:

Widely used by Indigenous peoples, this ethnobotanical variety has very short spines, gray with black tips. The Mexican Tarahumara, who call it cawe or wichowaka, prepare a relaxing drink with the juice of its young branches.
Do not consume for psychoactive or medicinal effects; cultivate solely for the preservation of the botanical species.

Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum does not contain prohibited alkaloids and is said to have been used during ethnic ceremonies as well. This species is also used for medicinal purposes by Mexicans.

- Germination and Sowing:

• Sow indian comb cactus in a small tray with equal parts sand and fine potting soil.
• Cover the seeds with only 1 to 2 millimeters of substrate.
• Water gently with a sprayer.
• Cover the tray with plastic wrap.
• Place the tray in a warm spot at a temperature between 30°C and 35°C.
• Germination generally begins after 3 to 5 weeks.
• Once the seedlings reach 2 to 3 cm in height, transplant them into separate pots.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

This cactus requires an exclusively mineral and extremely well-draining substrate to avoid any water retention around the roots. A special cactus mix, composed of one-third garden soil, one-third coarse sand, and one-third gravel or pumice, is ideal. It tolerates poor and rocky soils well but dislikes clay-heavy or compact earth.

- Exposure / Sunlight:

The Indian Comb requires full sun exposure. Maximum light is essential to ensure vigorous growth and to allow for flowering. Indoors or in a greenhouse, it must be placed behind a very well-exposed glass pane. A lack of light can cause etiolation, making the main stem thin, pale, and fragile.

- Temperature / Hardiness:

Native to the desert zones of Mexico, it thrives in high heat. Its hardiness is limited: it can withstand short periods of cold around -2°C, provided the soil is perfectly dry. It is best to over-winter it in a dry, frost-free location between 5°C and 10°C.

- Watering / Water Needs:

Its water requirement is very low. During the growing season, a thorough watering every two to three weeks is sufficient, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings. In autumn and winter, watering must be stopped entirely.

- Multiplication:

Propagation is mainly done by seed. Stem cuttings are also possible: a section must be cut, and the wound left to callous in the open air for several weeks until a complete callus forms, then placed on a draining mix without watering until the first roots appear.

- Pests / Diseases:

Its main enemy is excess moisture, which causes irreversible fungal rot at the collar or roots. Regarding parasites, it can be targeted by mealybugs, which often lodge themselves between the ribs.