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Peyote

Lophophora diffusa · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Peyote, scientifically known as Lophophora diffusa, is a small, button-like cactus native to the Chihuahuan Desert. Renowned for its psychoactive properties, it contains mescaline, a potent alkaloid. Historically central to indigenous spiritual practices, this sacred plant holds profound cultural significance and continues to be studied for its medicinal potential.

Family
Cactaceae
Native range
Northern America
Parts used
Not available
Common names
Peyote
Scientific synonyms
Lophophora Diffusa Subsp. Viridescens · Lophophora Echinata Var. Diffusa · 8 more

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Lophophora diffusa

Synonyms

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • Lophophora diffusa subsp. viridescens
  • Lophophora diffusa var. koehresii
  • Lophophora diffusa var. kubesai
  • Lophophora diffusa var fricii
  • Lophophora diffusa var koehresii
  • Lophophora echinata var. diffusa
  • Lophophora ziegleri
  • Lophophora diffusa var swobodaiana
  • Lophophora diffusa var kubesai
  • Lophophora diffusa subsp viridescens
  • Lophophora williamsii var. koehresii
  • Lophophora diffusa var. swobodaiana
  • Lophophora viridescens
  • Lophophora echinata var diffusa
  • Lophophora williamsii var koehresii
  • Lophophora ziegleriana
  • Peyote queretano
  • Peyote queretano
  • Peyote de Querétaro

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Caryophyllales and the family Cactaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Lophophora.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Caryophyllales
Family Cactaceae
Genus Lophophora

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Lophophora diffusa, possesses a very specific and limited range of occurrence. Its documented presence is centered entirely within the country of Mexico. More precisely, the species is found in the northeastern regions of the nation. This localized distribution suggests that the plant is adapted to the particular environmental conditions found there. Consequently, its geographical footprint remains highly concentrated in this specific part of Mexico.

Region Area
Mexico Mexico Northeast

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Chemicals

Lophophora diffusa has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include mescaline.

Chemicals reported in Lophophora diffusa
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
mescaline 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

mescaline

  1. Journal of natural medicines