Lophophora fricii Adults – 3cm+

Description

Lophophora fricii are a part of the Lophophora family (duh). They are very similar to Lophophora williamsii in appearance and there are small differences in the flower colours. Fricii tend to have a darker shade of pink flowers. You can only really tell the difference between the 3 main Lophophoras by their flowers. Lophophora fricii also tend to have a “S” shape rib structure whereas LW tend to have straighter rib structure (also not always the case).

Origin and Habitat

This species has a very limited range around the lagoon near Viesca in the state of Coahuila, Northern Mexico.
Habitat and Ecology: Lophophora friciiSN|1752]]SN|1752]] is found growing in two very different habitats, on plains with xerophyllous scrub, mesquite and agave, and on limestone slopes and mountain tops. The species is very abundant in appropriate habitat. Illegal collecting for producing ointments poses a threat to this species.

Synonyms:

• Lophophora williamsii var. fricii (Haberm.) Grym
• Anhalonium floro rosea Frič
• Lophophora diffusa subs. fricii (Haberm.) Halda
• Lophophora fricii Haberm.
• Peyotl zacatensis (Haberm.) Sotom., Arred. & Mart.Mend.
• Peyotl zacatensis var. fricii (Haberm.) Sotom., Arred. & Mart.Mend.

Common Names include: False Peyote

Description: Lophophora fricii is a geophytic, button-like, spineless cactus with large tap root, and only the apical part of the stem exposed at soil level. The stems are typically broad and flattened, and large clumps up to 40 cm wide can be produced over time by repeated lateral branching of the original stem and its branches. It is described as differing from Lophophora williamsii in having yellowish-grey-green epidermis, a different arrangement of ribs (usually lacking well defined ribs), and seeds with a coarse testa and a compressed V-shaped hilum. Typically the flowers are carmine-red, but as demonstrated by observing plants in habitat, the colour can be much lighter than that indicated in the description.

Credit: https://llifle.com/