Lophophora (Peyote)

Lophophora sp. is small group of cacti containing only 4 fully recognized species; Lophophora diffusa, Lophophora fricii, Lophophora koehresii 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.

Lophophora plants often inhabit shaded areas under bushes or by rocks. They are extremely well adapted to life in a desert and may go without water for many months. But perhaps the most well known fact about Peyote is its hallucinogenic effects when eaten. The Native People of many American, Mexican and even some Canadian tribes have used this cactus in religious 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 4 recognized species; Lophophora diffusa, Lophophora fricii, Lophophora koehresii and Lophophora williamsii. In addition to these 4 Lophophora species, there are a few more varieties, forms and cultivars. One Lophophora, L. ‘Jourdaniana?is not known from the wild and is quite different than other Lophophora species and has caused great confusion and resulted in various theories surrounding its classification.

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'

Lophophora Morphological Photo Checklist.

Lophophora Identification

Lophophora Identification.

Lophophora species photo identification guide A photographic comparison of Lophophora diffusa, L. fricii, L. jourdaniana, L. koehresii & L. williamsii.

Lophophora Dichotomous Key.

Lophophora name list: species, synonyms, varieties, forms etc. A list of all Lophophora names.

Plants that look similar to Lophophora.