Peyote is a small, mescaline-containing cactus belonging to the Lophophora genus, with a rich array of forms, each unique in its own way. In this blog, we'll explore some of the most fascinating types and delve into the remarkable diversity of this sacred plant.
Lophophora williamsii
Lophophora williamsii is the most recognized and widely used species of peyote. It is native to a small region of North America, spanning across Southern Texas and several Northern Mexican states. It generally grows a single head that is green to blueish green in color. Once mature, they produce small, light pink colored flowers.
Varieties of Lophophora williamsii
In plants, a variety is a naturally occurring subgroup within a species that shows consistent differences in appearance or growth habit. These differences are genetic, meaning they are passed down from one generation to the next.
- Lophophora williamsii var. caespitosa: Known for its ability to cluster, this variety spreads over time, forming colonies of buttons. This is the result of a genetic anomaly that causes the plant to produce multiple heads, each genetically identical to the original. Though it is not fully understood what causes this to happen, they can appear in any population.
- Lophophora williamsii var. jourdaniana: Also a clustering variety, these produce beautiful, deep purple colored flowers.
Different Peyote Locales
Beyond formally recognized varieties, there are also different locales of peyote. A locale refers to a population from a specific geographic area. Cacti from different areas can show subtle differences in size, color, rib shape, and tuft formation, making them appear slightly distinct from one another.
These variations are often the result of long-term adaptation to local environmental conditions such as soil type, rainfall, elevation, and temperature. While they remain the same species genetically, their appearance can reflect the unique pressures of the habitat in which they evolved.
Peyote has managed to grow outside of its natural habitat, with populations now found in states like California, New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada, increasing the diversity of recognized locales.
- Lophophora williamsii Huizache: This peyote is native to the region around El Huizache in the state of San Luis Potosí, Mexico and often forms gematrical spiral patterns. While there are too many locales to cover in this article, this example highlights the unique growth patterns that are possible.
Self-Fertile vs. Non-Self-Fertile Peyote
Peyote exhibits both self-fertile and non-self-fertile forms, which affects how they reproduce. Self-fertile plants can produce viable seeds from their own flowers, while non-self-fertile plants require pollen from another genetically distinct plant. These traits often vary between geographic populations. Northern forms of peyote tend to have a higher proportion of self-fertile plants, which allows them to reproduce more reliably in isolated environments, whereas southern forms are more frequently non-self-fertile, promoting genetic diversity through cross-pollination.
Lophophora diffusa
Lophophora diffusa, often referred to as the "false peyote," is native to a more limited area in the state of Querétaro, Mexico. Unlike Lophophora williamsii, it has a pale green color and lacks the psychoactive mescaline content. They grow a single head that produces small white flowers once mature.
Varieties of Lophophora diffusa
- Lophophora diffusa var. koehresii: This variety is distinguished by its more globular shape. They produce white or light pink flowers similar to those of Lophophora williamsii, although the petals are typically longer and more pointed.
- Lophophora diffusa var. fricii: Similar to the koehresii variety, only the flowers have a more pronounced and deeper pink hue.
Mutations
In plants, a mutation is a random change in the DNA that can affect how a plant grows or looks. Mutations can create unusual growth forms, but these traits are often unique to individual plants and may not be inherited consistently. Unlike varieties which show stable genetic differences, mutations usually appear sporadically and are valued for their rarity.
- Variegation: Variegated peyote display a striking array of colors, including white, yellow, and even pink, mixed with the usual green. Variegation occurs due to a genetic mutation that affects chlorophyll production. Variegated peyote tends to grow more slowly than its non-variegated counterparts because the areas lacking chlorophyll are less efficient at photosynthesis.
- Cristate: Also know as cresting, this is a rare genetic mutation that causes multiple growth points to form on a single head. Crested peyote appear flattened and fan-like, resemble coral, making them particularly sought after by collectors.
Conclusion
Peyote shows incredible diversity, from stable varieties to rare mutations. Its growth across multiple recognized locales highlights its adaptability. Many of these species and varieties are available on our website, allowing you to cultivate and observe their unique growth forms firsthand.