Lophophora williamsi var. caespitosa

Lophophora williamsii var. caespitosa, commonly known as the Peyote cactus, is a small, spineless cactus species belonging to the family Cactaceae. It is a variant or subspecies of Lophophora williamsii, which is native to the arid regions of Mexico and parts of southern Texas.

Lophophora williamsii var. caespitosa is characterized by its unique growth habit, forming small clumps or clusters of multiple individual plants. These clumps, or “caespitose” formations, consist of numerous rounded or globular stems, each with its own characteristic ribbed and spineless surface.

The stems of Lophophora williamsii var. caespitosa are green to gray-green in color and have a thick, fleshy texture. They are relatively small, typically reaching heights of only a few centimeters. The ribs on the stems are shallow but distinct, arranged in a spiral pattern around the plant.

Like other members of the genus Lophophora, this cactus species is known for its distinctive crown of woolly hairs, called the “cephalium,” which forms at the apex of the stem. The cephalium is comprised of fine, white or yellowish hairs that protect the plant’s flower buds.