wachumacallit

Didn't notice any around Daylesford (VIC) a few weeks ago, but it's been cold and wet since then.

OK band, amazing music videos ...

Last I checked, both T. peruvianus and T. pachanoi were (officially) considered subspecies of T. macrogonus. Isn't "macrogona" simply the plural form of "macrogonus" -- essentially one and the same classification?

It's far more common among scopulicola varieties, in my collection. Less consistently, I will occasionally find bridgesii (and hybrids) with 4-ribbed columns. I don't think I've seen a 4-ribbed pachanoi or peruvianus. Some plants exhibit this tendency from seedling stage. Others seem to be just freak occurrences. SayN sent me a 4-ribbed Eileen pup that quickly reverted to 5. A westerner would be hard pressed to explain the "special" medicinal properties of a 4-ribbed structure. "Placebo" effect?

Researchers were trialling psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression in Oz, it's probably in the pipeline. I'm not sure where things stand at the moment, psilocybin was prohibitively expensive when first approved by the TGA (for PTSD?) The new ketamine substitute -- non-psychedelic, I assume -- will be on the PBS, costing tens instead of thousands of dollars. But yes, even a GP consultation is prohibitively expensive these days. Big Tech Broligarchy is always looking for a new Soma to dispense to the huddled masses.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-28/ketamine-nasal-spray-added-to-pbs-for-depression-treatment/105217432

Isn't that just what you've done?

Interesting weed that popped up in my garden. All plant parts are said to be poisonous, but some intriguing medicinal potential, according to this page: https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Euphorbia_lathyris.html The L isomer of dopa [3-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl) alanine] is said to occur at 1.7% of the fresh weight of the latex. L-dopa is used for symptomatic relief of Parkinson's disease, and is said to have produced some astounding rejuvenating effects, inducing priapism, on some senile males who took it. Leaves contain quercetin, quercetin-3-b-D-glucuronide, kaempferol, kaempferol 3- glucuronide, b-sitosterol, p-coumaric acid, and ferulic acid. Stalks contain hentriacontane, taraxerone, taraxerol, b-sitosterol, and betulin. The energy-promising latex contains 0.5% 3,4-dioxyphenylalanine. Sachs et al. (1981) got 6.2% rosin content (hydrocarbons) in nonirrigated, compared to 4.4% on irrigated plots. The benzene extract of the leaves is said to contain 0.1% (% of plant dry weight) rubber, and 0.2% wax; the acetone extract 13.7% glycerides, 2.2% isoprenoids, and 8.3% other terpinoids. The acetone extract of the seeds contains 40% glyceride. Per 100 g, the seed is reported to contain 15 g protein and 40–47.5 g fat. Seed contain b-sitosterol, 7-hentriacontane, and daphnetin (List and Horhammer, 1969). I predict that if all plants are studied in detail, they will be found to contain both carcinogens and antitumor or cytotoxic compounds. This one contains the antitumor compound b-sitosterol and the cocarcinogen ingenol-3- hexadecanic acid ester (C36H58O6).

Congratulations and thanks to misteek, thanks also to Starward and Trip and everyone else who supported this.

^Good question! According to this reddit, "Zelly" genetics = hybrids of scopulicola x red grandiflorus, with potential for red, pink or white flowers.

TPC x Zelly33

Old, grey spine clusters sprouting fresh spines (in yellow, too, which also seems uncharacteristic) right down near the base of this seed-grown Peruvianus. Unusual, in my experience.

What's the diagnosis? SSRIs are only marginally better than placebo for depression, with their own host of depressive complications such as suicidal ideation. But I was on various SSRIs for several years, and once upon a time, an MAOI anti-depressant. I can't vouch for any of them. I ditched SSRIs so that I could pursue psychedelics as a therapy instead. San Pedro is a powerful ally. Omega 3 from plant sources would be preferable to marine sources. Farmed salmon contain very low levels, compared with wild. Contamination (pesticides, PFAS, heavy metals, plastics) is definitely a concern. Apparently the Omega-3 in fish comes from algae, in any case. Maybe something like Spirulina, which has an Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio of 1.6:1? Walnuts, hemp seed, flax seed, chia seed ... Vitamin D is a useful supplement across the board, including for brain/gut health which is essential to dopamine production. Or make your own Vitamin D, from sun exposure. Good luck finding a vegan Vitamin D supplement (only one local brand that I'm aware of that isn't sourced from lanolin). Some form of counselling is probably advised for survivors of emotional abuse. It's difficult to find a suitable mental healthcare professional. And it's not cheap (even the GP consultation to devise a Medicare-funded mental healthcare plan can be prohibitively costly). But even a free service like Lifeline is pretty good value, in a pinch. And there would be other free services in their local area, but they would have to seek them out.

Consider this a no-reserve auction. Whoever bids highest will receive this splendid Jourdaniana graft (on PC rootstock). All proceeds will be donated to offset the costs of Corroboree website/forum maintenance. Auction is open for bids until the end of next week (April 18). Please indicate below how much you're willing to pay for this fine specimen. * Flower is indicative only, from a comparable grafted specimen. Props to Trip for the mother of all scions!

$20 each or make me an offer. Established clones with roots and pups. Healthy plants, cosmetic defects only. Melbourne pickup (3044) or post (bare-rooted) at buyer's expense. L-R: CLS, Rita, Parker 2 Clockwise from top L: Lumberjack x validus, Ogun, KK339 (Chisar clone), Yowie