False peyote, Living rock
Ariocarpus fissuratus
Family: Cactaceae
What it is like
A cactus with a tuberous taproot. They grow flat to the ground. It grows 10 cm high. It can reach 15 cm across. They are spineless and there are a cluster of tubercles around the tuberous taproot. The tubercles are three sided and cracked. They are 2.5 cm thick at the base and narrow to a blunt tip. From the tip of the dried-up bodies they produce funnel shaped flowers. These are 5 cm high and 4 cm across. Flowers can be white, yellow or pink. It flowers in the daytime.
There are 6 Ariocarpus species. They grow in very arid conditions. It is used in traditional ceremonies but has not been shown to have drug alkaloids.
Where it is found
It grows in Mexico and Texas. It can stand temperatures down to -10°C for short periods if kept dry. It needs a temperature above 10°C for growth. It requires heat and a very well drained or porous soil. They do best with high light and warm temperatures. They normally grow in eroded calcareous rocks with a pH of 7-8. They also grow on acid soils. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Central America, Mexico (country/location of origin), North America, USA
How it is used for food
CAUTION: It probably contains alkaloids which cause psychological effects. The plant is chewed and produces intoxication. The juice of the plant is used to make an alcoholic drink. It is fermented with germinated maize. Caution: Alcohol is a cause of cancer.
Edible parts
Plant, fruit
How it is grown
It can be grown from seed. Plants are also grafted
They are slow growing.
Its other names
Local names
Chaute, Chautle, Dry whiskey, Peyote cimarron, Star rock, Sunami, Waname
Synonyms
Mammillaria fissurata Engelmann; Anhalonium fissuratum (Englemann)Engelmann; Roseocactus fissuratus (Engelm.)Berger; Anhalonium engelmannii Lemaire; Ariocarpus lloydii Rose; Roseocactus lloydii (Rose)A. Berger; Ariocarpus fissuratus var. lloydii (Rose)W.T.Marshall; Roseocactus intermedius Backeberg & Kilian;