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Species

Lophophora diffusa

Lophophora diffusa

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Editorial SEO summary

Source-backed classification draft for Lophophora diffusa.

Scientific taxonomy article

Lophophora diffusa

Lophophora diffusa (Croizat) Bravo is treated as an accepted taxon in Plants of the World Online.1

The current source-backed classification places it in Cactaceae within Lophophora.12

Its recorded native range/source remark is MXEAG, MXECU, MXEHI, MXEZA, MXEQU, MXEGU, MXESL, MXEDU, NORTHERNAMERICA, MEXICO, MXE, MXETA; Mexico (Querétaro to Hidalgo).1

POWO records the plant context as succulent subshrub, desert or dry shrubland.1

This is a source-populated draft intended for later Kaktus Doktoru editorial rewriting; care advice and morphology should be reviewed before publication.

References

  1. Plants of the World Online. "Lophophora diffusa (Croizat) Bravo". Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Accessed: 2026-06-10. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:143598-2 ↩
  2. GBIF Secretariat. "Lophophora diffusa". GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Accessed: 2026-06-10. https://www.gbif.org/species/7282936 ↩

Plants In This Group

Lophophora diffusa

Lophophora diffusa

Lophophora diffusa

Overview\nLophophora diffusa, commonly known as the False Peyote, is a spineless, slow growing geophytic cactus belonging to the family Cactaceae.\n\n Taxonomy and Naming\nFirst described in the 19th century, Lophophora diffusa is distinguished from its close relative L. williamsii by its yellowish green epidermis, the lack of well defined ribs, and its chemical composition, containing predominantly pellotine rather than mescaline .\n\n Distribution and Habitat\nThis species is micro endemic to a small area in the state of Querétaro and Hidalgo, Mexico . It thrives in semi arid desert shrublands, growing on limestone rich soils, often sheltered under nurse plants.\n\n Appearance\nThe stem is soft, globose, and yellowish green, lacking distinct ribs but possessing diffuse, wavy podaria. The apex is covered in dense tufts of white trichomes (wool), from which small white to light pink flowers emerge during spring and summer.\n\n Cultivation\nCultivation requires an strictly mineral based substrate with excellent drainage. Watering should be sparse during the active growing season and completely suspended during winter dormancy to prevent root rot.\n\n Common Cultivation Mistakes\nUsing standard organic potting soil and overwatering are the primary causes of failure, leading to rapid rot. Excessive direct sunlight can also scorch its sensitive, soft textured epidermis.\n References\n Plants of the World Online (POWO), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.\n IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Lophophora diffusa.

Lophophora diffusa

Lophophora diffusa

Lophophora diffusa

Overview\nLophophora diffusa, commonly known as the False Peyote, is a spineless, slow growing geophytic cactus belonging to the family Cactaceae.\n\n Taxonomy and Naming\nFirst described in the 19th century, Lophophora diffusa is distinguished from its close relative L. williamsii by its yellowish green epidermis, the lack of well defined ribs, and its chemical composition, containing predominantly pellotine rather than mescaline .\n\n Distribution and Habitat\nThis species is micro endemic to a small area in the state of Querétaro and Hidalgo, Mexico . It thrives in semi arid desert shrublands, growing on limestone rich soils, often sheltered under nurse plants.\n\n Appearance\nThe stem is soft, globose, and yellowish green, lacking distinct ribs but possessing diffuse, wavy podaria. The apex is covered in dense tufts of white trichomes (wool), from which small white to light pink flowers emerge during spring and summer.\n\n Cultivation\nCultivation requires an strictly mineral based substrate with excellent drainage. Watering should be sparse during the active growing season and completely suspended during winter dormancy to prevent root rot.\n\n Common Cultivation Mistakes\nUsing standard organic potting soil and overwatering are the primary causes of failure, leading to rapid rot. Excessive direct sunlight can also scorch its sensitive, soft textured epidermis.\n References\n Plants of the World Online (POWO), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.\n IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Lophophora diffusa.