Family: Cactaceae (Cactus Family)
Scientific name: Lophophora williamsii (Lem. ex ex Salm-Dyck.) Coulter
in Contrib. U.S. Nat. Herb. 3 (1894) 131.
Origin: Grows in an area that stretches from from the Chihuahuan Desert to the South Texas Plains, on either side of the middle and lower Rio Grande River, southward to the Mexican state of San Luís Potosí. Extensive stands of peyote occur on the low, rocky hills in Starr, Zapata, Webb, and Jim Hogg counties of southern Texas.
Habitat: Grows isolated or in groups usually in calcareous deserts, on rocky slopes, or in dried river beds.Lophophora williamsii, commonly known as peyote, is a small, spineless cactus native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It has been used for centuries by indigenous people for spiritual and medicinal purposes, and it is considered a sacred plant in many Native American cultures.
Peyote contains several psychoactive alkaloids, including mescaline, which is responsible for its psychoactive effects. Consuming peyote can cause hallucinations, altered perceptions of time and space, and changes in mood and thought. However, it is important to note that the use of peyote is illegal in many countries, including the United States, and can be dangerous if not used in a controlled setting.
In traditional Native American spiritual practices, peyote is consumed in a ceremonial context and is considered a powerful tool for inducing mystical experiences and promoting personal growth and understanding. Despite its illegal status, some indigenous communities continue to use peyote in traditional spiritual ceremonies as a means of preserving their cultural heritage and spiritual practices.
