Dumpling Cactus
Lophophora williamsii
Cactus family (Cactaceae)
Green desert-dreamer
The peyote cactus, native of Mexico and southern Texas, is a small, blue-green, thornless, balloon-like plant. Sitting on top are small amounts of wool. The cactus grows very slowly and produces small pink flowers in the wild only after 10 years. It rarely exceeds 15 cm.
Most cacti protect themselves from animals by their thorns but the peyote has a different weapon: both animals and people hallucinate after eating it. The native Indians knew this long before westerners claim to have ‘discovered’ it in the 1950s and consequently started experimenting with it. The drug LSD was developed from the chemical substances found in this cactus. Both LSD and the peyote cactus are still loved by modern day 'dreamers'. This popularity has led to its disappearance from its natural habitats and as a result the cactus is now on the Red List.
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Crown jewel in the Zuidas Botanic Garden.
Because of its hallucinogenic properties this species is classed as a drug. However, the plant is also used to make ointments on an industrial scale - the ointment is not classed a drug.
The peyote cactus is locally considered a living god by the native tribes of northern Mexico and southwest America; archaeologists believe it has been in use for 5700 years.
Details
Description: | Succulent, cactus, up to 0.06 m, 0.12 m in diameter. |
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Distributions: | Mexico, united states (texas) |
Habitat: | This geophytic, button-like cactus species occurs in xerophyllous scrub, including the 'tamaulipan thorn scrub', on calcareous soils. |
Year cycle: | Perennial (trees and shrubs included) |
Hardiness: | 34 - 41 f (tender - cool or frost-free glasshouse) |
Flowering period: | Mei - augustus |
Flower color: | Pink, white |
At its best: | Mei - augustus |