TRICHOCEREUS BRIDGESII ~ THE BOLIVIAN TORCH

by adrian juan ritson March 15, 2026

The Bolivian Torch, known as Achuma, is a sacred, highly revered, and relatively scarce columnar cactus native to Bolivia, a South American country.

To see our full range of Trichocereus Bridgesii, click HERE.

This cactus grows quickly, up to 30 cm per year, and can easily reach the height of an average two-story house.

When in bloom, Achuma perfumes the night with an intense fragrance, known for its calming and relaxing properties. It is also an ancient medicinal plant, with deep roots in South America.

Now cultivated worldwide, it was brought to Europe by Spanish and Catalan conquistadors, particularly from the city of Sucre, during the 14th century, along with many other fascinating cacti.

As with many domesticated plants, there are now numerous varieties of Trichocereus Bridgesii that we can explore and cultivate.

CACTUS NAME

The English name Bolivian Torch is descriptive, as the columnar shape of this cactus is slightly more bulbous at the top of its structure, resembling a medieval wooden torch. The term “Bolivian” refers to the place where it was first documented by non-indigenous botanists.

The international botanical name of Trichocereus bridgesii is also partially descriptive:

“Tricho” comes from the word “trichome,” which describes the dark hairs that grow at the base of the flower stalk and the bud capsule. The word “trichome” comes from the Greek “Trichoma,” meaning hair. Trichomes are found on many other plants, including the leaves and stems of nettles.

The trichomes on the flowers of this type of cactus are one of the visual keys to identifying the entire Trichocereus species.

Cereus comes from the Latin word of the same name, meaning candle or, in modern language, taper, which describes the structure of this cactus. As can be seen in the photograph of an eighty-plus-year-old specimen shown below, its growth form is similar to that of a candelabrum, where each column represents a candle.

The term "bridgesii" is an epithet that honors Thomas Bridges' contributions to botany, particularly his role in discovering and documenting numerous new plant (and animal) species from South America. Thomas Bridges (1807-1865) was a Victorian botanist and naturalist who focused his work on the Andes of Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, as well as his adopted home, California. He was born and educated in England and immigrated to California in 1856 to pursue his passion for discovering unknown living species.

In cactus collector circles, the botanical name is often abbreviated as T.B., with the specific variant added at the end. This variant name can represent the location where it was first discovered, the person who found it, its appearance, or a combination of its ancestral names.

The example shown below has been named T.B. Jesus, as this variety was discovered near a small town called Jesús, in Catalonia.

To see our full range of Trichocereus Bridgesii, click HERE.

THE CACTUS

This columnar cactus is native to the higher altitude mountainous regions of Bolivia, particularly around La Paz, Cochabamba, and Sucre. It is characterized by its slender blue-green stems, long yellowish spines, and large, fragrant, night-blooming white flowers.

The scent of these large flowers is intensely floral and very sweet, with hints of vanilla and honey. The flowers are approximately 10 cm wide and are pollinated by insects.

Although the flower initially opens at night, it remains open throughout the following day and lasts for approximately three days.

After pollination, the flower develops into a small fruit, which is usually consumed by birds and insects. This helps to disperse the seeds.

The Bolivian Torch cactus can reach a height of 8 meters or more if left to grow naturally.

The ribs, or ridges, are usually between five and eight, although this number can vary halfway up the plant. Achuma's ribs tend to be more pronounced and angular than those of other Trichocereus varieties.

Achuma's areoles are located 2.5 to 5 cm apart at the top of the nodules, facing skyward, along the ribs. This is a simple way to identify the correct position of the cutting; see the photograph below.

Spines grow in clusters of one to six from the center of the areoles, with one significantly longer than the others; these can reach a length of 10 cm or more. See the photograph above.

During winter winds and strong storms, branches of older cacti may break off, but they continue to grow by developing roots along their length, on the underside. This is one of the methods by which Achuma can spread through an area.

T.B. is a very hardy plant, capable of withstanding temperatures above 40 °C and as low as -5 °C. Additionally, when mature, this cactus can survive two to three months without rain. Given that Achuma is a mountain cactus, morning mist provides it with water during the driest months, as the ribs condense and channel the liquid towards the base of the plant and its roots.

CULTIVATING THE CACTUS

Although Achuma prefers full sun, when first planting, a partially shaded and sheltered location will encourage its rapid development, as, when young, the sun can discolor its stems, causing them to turn yellow and hindering their growth.

Achuma prefers low-nutrient, sandy, and stony soil. The soil should be well-draining, as this cactus does not tolerate waterlogging. From experience, the best soil composition for young plants, less than seven years old, is 50% sand, gravel, and small stones, combined with 50% nutrient-rich compost containing decomposed animal manure.

When planting an Achuma cutting outdoors, it is recommended to cut the top at a 45° angle, with the tip pointing south, where it receives the sun. This will help prevent rot at the top and stimulate the growth of offsets at the highest part of the cactus, making it easier to separate them for new plants. See the photograph below.

To plant a Trichocereus bridgesii cutting, ensure the soil-covered end has callused. Dig a hole twice the width of the plant and one-fifth to one-quarter the depth of the cutting, with a minimum of 2.5 cm. Place the cutting in the hole, ensuring the longest side faces the midday sun. Fill the hole thoroughly, removing large stones, and water if the soil is dry.

Note that the best time to plant is from late winter to early spring, after the rains.

To see our full range of Trichocereus bridgesii, click HERE.

CACTUS PESTS

Outwardly, this cactus is generally resistant to most airborne and soil-borne pests and infections, provided the soil is well-draining and it receives sufficient direct sunlight.

However, there are several types of caterpillars that burrow into the cactus's growing tip. These can be controlled by simply removing them and attracting wasps to the area, as they feed on these pests.

Providing water and a protected area for wasps to build their nest, and maintaining daily contact with them, will ensure a pest-free garden and deter intruders. Wasps have good memories, so being kind to them will be rewarded with their presence; if treated cruelly, they will attack in a swarm!

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

Achuma has been an intrinsic part of South American culture for at least 4000 years. This cactus has been and continues to be highly valued by all South American civilizations as a guardian, a symbol of strength, and medicine.

Aztec priests associated the cactus with the eagle, which was often found nearby, just as bald eagles are found in Catalonia.

Ceremonies and religious events often included the application of preparations from this cactus to invoke and heal the spirit, as well as to ward off evil forces. Some of these practices continue to this day.

Its uses have primarily focused on medicine, often being specially prepared for individuals with muscular, neurological, and skin problems, such as arthritis, dermatitis, and epilepsy.

It is worth noting that the incidence of neurological disorders in communities where these cacti are part of the diet is practically nonexistent.

The spines, or needles, can be used to sew and embroider clothing, as well as to thread other personal accessories.

The needle can also be used as a dart for a blowgun. Larger needles have even been used to make hairbrushes, with the thicker end pointing towards the scalp!

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

Trichocereus Bridgesii has been the subject of study for decades, with numerous academic and field research publications since the 1970s.

Although this cactus, like many others, is 90% water, it contains numerous alkaloids.

These alkaloids are detailed below:

Tyramine: present between 1% and 10% of the total alkaloid content.

3-Methoxytyramine: present between 1% and 10%.

3,4-Dimethoxyphenethylamine: present between 1% and 10%.

Triterpenes: Bridgesigenin A (0.0378% of dry weight) and Bridgesigenin B (0.00657% of dry weight).

Flavonols: The presence of kaempferol and quercetin was confirmed. Quercetin is a natural pain reliever, also present in apple skins.

Additional alkaloids:

Anhalonidine

Hordenine, 3,4-dimethoxy-5-hydroxyphenylethylamine, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenethylamine

These compounds contribute to the physiological and neurological effects of the cactus, and the full spectrum of alkaloids can modulate or potentiate its medicinal effects.

In summary, Trichocereus Bridgesii is a fast-growing cactus suitable for outdoor and greenhouse cultivation. It has a long history of association with indigenous peoples of South America as a protector, talisman, and healing agent.

To see our full range of Trichocereus Bridgesii, click HERE.

REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING

Author's observations and experiments.

All photographs are by the author.

All videos were created by the author with Filmigo.

Many thanks to Brave AI, Google Translate, Cubot, Filmigo, Pixaloop, GlitchLab, and the Linux community.

Entheogenic Cacti, Markus Berger, 2004 ~ Also available in English and highly recommended.

https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/19485951

https://sjamaan.com/en/trichocereus-bridgesii-monstruosus-cutting.html

https://trichocereusnet.blogspot.com/2015/05/trichocereus-bridgesii-echinopsis.html?m=1

https://www.cactus-art.biz/schede/TRICHOCEREUS/Trichocereus_bridgesi i/Trichocereus_bridgesii/Trichocereus_bridgesii.htm

https://magicactus.com/trichocereus.html

https://www.uvm.edu/~dbarring/241/241_PUBS/ogunbodede2010.pdf

https://www.llifle.com/Encyclopedia/CACTI/Family/Cactaceae/7568/Cereus_bridgesii

https://bibliography.maps.org/resources/download/19630

TRICHOCEREUS BRIDGESII ~ THE BOLIVIAN TORCH

The Bolivian Torch, known as Achuma, is a sacred, highly revered, and relatively scarce columnar cactus native to Bolivia, a South American country.

To see our full range of Trichocereus Bridgesii, click HERE.

This cactus grows quickly, up to 30 cm per year, and can easily reach the height of an average two-story house.

When in bloom, Achuma perfumes the night with an intense fragrance, known for its calming and relaxing properties. It is also an ancient medicinal plant, with deep roots in South America.

Now cultivated worldwide, it was brought to Europe by Spanish and Catalan conquistadors, particularly from the city of Sucre, during the 14th century, along with many other fascinating cacti.

As with many domesticated plants, there are now numerous varieties of Trichocereus Bridgesii that we can explore and cultivate.

CACTUS NAME

The English name Bolivian Torch is descriptive, as the columnar shape of this cactus is slightly more bulbous at the top of its structure, resembling a medieval wooden torch. The term “Bolivian” refers to the place where it was first documented by non-indigenous botanists.

The international botanical name of Trichocereus bridgesii is also partially descriptive:

The trichomes on the flowers of this type of cactus are one of the visual keys to identifying the entire Trichocereus species.

In cactus collector circles, the botanical name is often abbreviated as T.B., with the specific variant added at the end. This variant name can represent the location where it was first discovered, the person who found it, its appearance, or a combination of its ancestral names.

The example shown below has been named T.B. Jesus, as this variety was discovered near a small town called Jesús, in Catalonia.

To see our full range of Trichocereus Bridgesii, click HERE.

THE CACTUS

This columnar cactus is native to the higher altitude mountainous regions of Bolivia, particularly around La Paz, Cochabamba, and Sucre. It is characterized by its slender blue-green stems, long yellowish spines, and large, fragrant, night-blooming white flowers.

The scent of these large flowers is intensely floral and very sweet, with hints of vanilla and honey. The flowers are approximately 10 cm wide and are pollinated by insects.

Although the flower initially opens at night, it remains open throughout the following day and lasts for approximately three days.

After pollination, the flower develops into a small fruit, which is usually consumed by birds and insects. This helps to disperse the seeds.

The Bolivian Torch cactus can reach a height of 8 meters or more if left to grow naturally.

The ribs, or ridges, are usually between five and eight, although this number can vary halfway up the plant. Achuma's ribs tend to be more pronounced and angular than those of other Trichocereus varieties.

Achuma's areoles are located 2.5 to 5 cm apart at the top of the nodules, facing skyward, along the ribs. This is a simple way to identify the correct position of the cutting; see the photograph below.

Spines grow in clusters of one to six from the center of the areoles, with one significantly longer than the others; these can reach a length of 10 cm or more. See the photograph above.

During winter winds and strong storms, branches of older cacti may break off, but they continue to grow by developing roots along their length, on the underside. This is one of the methods by which Achuma can spread through an area.

CULTIVATING THE CACTUS

Although Achuma prefers full sun, when first planting, a partially shaded and sheltered location will encourage its rapid development, as, when young, the sun can discolor its stems, causing them to turn yellow and hindering their growth.

Note that the best time to plant is from late winter to early spring, after the rains.

To see our full range of Trichocereus bridgesii, click HERE.

CACTUS PESTS

Outwardly, this cactus is generally resistant to most airborne and soil-borne pests and infections, provided the soil is well-draining and it receives sufficient direct sunlight.

However, there are several types of caterpillars that burrow into the cactus's growing tip. These can be controlled by simply removing them and attracting wasps to the area, as they feed on these pests.

Providing water and a protected area for wasps to build their nest, and maintaining daily contact with them, will ensure a pest-free garden and deter intruders. Wasps have good memories, so being kind to them will be rewarded with their presence; if treated cruelly, they will attack in a swarm!

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

Achuma has been an intrinsic part of South American culture for at least 4000 years. This cactus has been and continues to be highly valued by all South American civilizations as a guardian, a symbol of strength, and medicine.

Aztec priests associated the cactus with the eagle, which was often found nearby, just as bald eagles are found in Catalonia.

Ceremonies and religious events often included the application of preparations from this cactus to invoke and heal the spirit, as well as to ward off evil forces. Some of these practices continue to this day.

Its uses have primarily focused on medicine, often being specially prepared for individuals with muscular, neurological, and skin problems, such as arthritis, dermatitis, and epilepsy.

It is worth noting that the incidence of neurological disorders in communities where these cacti are part of the diet is practically nonexistent.

The spines, or needles, can be used to sew and embroider clothing, as well as to thread other personal accessories.

The needle can also be used as a dart for a blowgun. Larger needles have even been used to make hairbrushes, with the thicker end pointing towards the scalp!

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

Trichocereus Bridgesii has been the subject of study for decades, with numerous academic and field research publications since the 1970s.

Although this cactus, like many others, is 90% water, it contains numerous alkaloids.

These alkaloids are detailed below:

Tyramine: present between 1% and 10% of the total alkaloid content.

3-Methoxytyramine: present between 1% and 10%.

3,4-Dimethoxyphenethylamine: present between 1% and 10%.

Triterpenes: Bridgesigenin A (0.0378% of dry weight) and Bridgesigenin B (0.00657% of dry weight).

Flavonols: The presence of kaempferol and quercetin was confirmed. Quercetin is a natural pain reliever, also present in apple skins.

Additional alkaloids:

Anhalonidine

Hordenine, 3,4-dimethoxy-5-hydroxyphenylethylamine, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenethylamine

These compounds contribute to the physiological and neurological effects of the cactus, and the full spectrum of alkaloids can modulate or potentiate its medicinal effects.

In summary, Trichocereus Bridgesii is a fast-growing cactus suitable for outdoor and greenhouse cultivation. It has a long history of association with indigenous peoples of South America as a protector, talisman, and healing agent.

To see our full range of Trichocereus Bridgesii, click HERE.

REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING

Author's observations and experiments.

All photographs are by the author.

All videos were created by the author with Filmigo.

Many thanks to Brave AI, Google Translate, Cubot, Filmigo, Pixaloop, GlitchLab, and the Linux community.

Entheogenic Cacti, Markus Berger, 2004 ~ Also available in English and highly recommended.

https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/19485951

https://sjamaan.com/en/trichocereus-bridgesii-monstruosus-cutting.html

https://trichocereusnet.blogspot.com/2015/05/trichocereus-bridgesii-echinopsis.html?m=1

https://www.cactus-art.biz/schede/TRICHOCEREUS/Trichocereus_bridgesi i/Trichocereus_bridgesii/Trichocereus_bridgesii.htm

https://magicactus.com/trichocereus.html

https://www.uvm.edu/~dbarring/241/241_PUBS/ogunbodede2010.pdf

https://www.llifle.com/Encyclopedia/CACTI/Family/Cactaceae/7568/Cereus_bridgesii

https://bibliography.maps.org/resources/download/19630

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