Lophophora (Peyote)

Lophophora sp. is small group of cacti containing only 2 fully recognized species; Lophophora diffusa and Lophophora williamsii. These cacti come from dry regions in extreme Southern USA and Mexico. These cacti are much different from many others in having no spines and a smooth green skin with wooly areoles.

These plants often inhabit shaded areas under bushes or by rocks. They are extremely well adpated to life in a desert and may go without water for many months. But perhaps the most well known fact about Peyote is it's hallucinogenic effects when eaten. The Native People of many American, Mexican and even some Canadian tribes have used this cactus in relgious ceremonies for many years. Between over harvesting, climate change and habitat loss, this Genus (as well as many others) is decreasing in numbers.

Lophophora has 2 recognized species; Lophophora diffusa and Lophophora williamsii. In addition to these 2 Lophophora species, there are 2 more recognized "types"; Lophophora fricii and Lophophora koehresii. There are also a couple others that are not so widely accepted as differnet variations; Lophophora decipiens and Lophophora jourdaniana.

Lophophora Species, sub-species & varieties

Valid/Accepted species & their varieties.
Lophophora alberto-vojtechii
Lophophora diffusa
	Lophophora diffusa cv. 'Implants'
Lophophora fricii
	Lophophora fricii var. albiflora Lophophora fricii cv. 'Cauliflower' *Lophophora fricii cv. 'Marbles'
Lophophora koehresii
	Lophophora koehresii x L. fricii Hybrid
Lophophora williamsii
	Lophophora williamsii var. caespitosa Lophophora williamsii forma. cristata
Possible species/sub-species.
Lophophora jourdaniana