Lophophora williamsii - The Peyotle

• 12 Jun, 2013
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Much has been said about the evil effects of this cactus (endemic to Northern Mexico and Southern USA) and one lady acquaintance threw up her hands in horror and fled at the very sight of it, muttering something about those evil drugs and all that. This plant is in fact a very mild hallucinogenic the effects of which are akin to Cannabis and the only person I know who tried one was immediately violently sick - Served him right, as he himself admitted. If I see anyone eying my precious specimen with even the slightest hint of an inappropriate appetite I will call the Police.The real culprits are certain dangerously poisonous, highly hallucinogenic Fungus species which because of the similar appearance of their dried tops to those of this cactus were confused with it by early botanists and explorers. The Fungus was instrumental in igniting Indian uprisings and wars with the consequent much loss of life and property because the Indian warriors were led to believe that the taking of the Fungus would confer on them immunity to the bullets of the white man. The very pretty, delicate flowers open only in sunny conditions. It is a very easy plant to grow provided it is kept in a quick-draining compost and bone-dry in Winter.