Damascus San Pedro Farm
The Damascus San Pedro collection stands as a testament to the rich history of cactus community in Australia, boasting one of the country’s largest collections in terms of sheer plant mass. The owner's uncertainty around the number of seed-grown plants and the seed’s specific origins shrouds the garden in an air of mystery. Established approximately two decades ago in a private location, the garden's mystery has been partially unravelled by the collaborative efforts of Dr. Liam Engel and Halcyon, who meticulously catalogued the Trichocereus at Damascus into distinct groups based on their appearance and shared insights.
These groups showcase the garden's remarkable variety, from the unique T. bridgesii trio—‘Twinnie’, ‘Twinkie’, and ‘Jaws’—to the T. macrogonus ‘Beast’ series, known for its exceptional tasting San Pedro fruits with coconut-like flavors. The T. pachanoi Booyah series, constituting the bulk of the collection, presents a challenge in discerning individual plants due to their subtle differences. The T. peruvianus ‘Paul’ series and its hybrid counterparts, along with the enigmatic ‘tall blue spikey’ series and the remarkable T. taquimbalensis series, all contributing to the garden's captivating botanical tapestry.
In this brief tour, Dr. Liam Engel highlights their personal favorites—the Beasts taquimbalensis’. However, the video also captures a somber note. Fungal infection wreaks havoc on many of these plants, thriving in the hot, humid conditions of the farm. The devastation serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by cactus enthusiasts, but amidst the losses, resilient plants endure, showcasing impressive resistance and resilience in the face of adversity and highlighting the most promising plants for propagation and further breeding.
If you’d like to see more of the Damascus San Pedro Farm, make sure to watch the video below, too! If you’re new to San Pedro and want to learn more, make sure to read our San Pedro Identification Guide, Liam’s book The San Pedro Appreciation Guide and The Mescaline Garden library for more educational resources around cactus.
