Lophophora diffusa aka Peyote

Lophophora diffusa is a small cactus in the Cactaceae family. People call it false peyote and Peyote de Querétaro. Kew gives its native range as Querétaro to Hidalgo, Mexico. LLIFLE gives a smaller range in Querétaro's high desert. It grows there near Vizarrón, Bucareli, and Tolimán. Both accounts place it in dry Mexican shrubland. Wild plants grow about 4,265–5,906 feet [1,300–1,800 metres] above sea level.

This cactus has no spines. It has a round body and a large taproot. A plant may grow alone or form several heads. Some form larger mounds with many stems. Stems stand about 0.07–0.23 feet [0.02–0.07 metres] tall. Most span 0.16–0.39 feet [0.05–0.12 metres]. LLIFLE notes wider stems in some groups of wild plants. Those reach 0.66–0.82 feet [0.20–0.25 metres] across. These sizes refer to stems, not whole clumps.

The stems range from yellow-green to grey-green. Their ribs and grooves often lack clear edges. Each stem has five to thirteen broad, flat ribs. Low bumps, or podaria, give the ribs a wavy edge. The areoles bear tufts of hair in an uneven spread. Flowers are white, cream, or white with a pink tint. They span about 0.05–0.10 feet [0.015–0.03 metres]. The supplied species account gives no bloom season. It gives no facts about the fruit.

In the wild, this cactus grows on stony, lime-rich ground. The soil must leave room for its thick root. Plants grow beneath shrubs, which may shield their young growth. LLIFLE says growth is slow. It calls for part shade in summer. It calls for full sun the rest of the year. The account lists seed as the way to grow new plants. The species evidence gives no frost limit or hardiness zone. It gives no account of specific pests or diseases.

People collect this cactus for its looks and traditional medicine. LLIFLE says this puts wild plants at risk. Its small stems, pale blooms, and clumps add to its appeal. Its mix of chemicals differs from its relative, true peyote. LLIFLE reports little or no mescaline in this species. Its main alkaloid is pellotine; it has several other compounds. The supplied evidence does not show food use or safety. Traditional use alone does not mean it is safe to eat.