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Growers Notes... New Species or Not??

Lophophora Williamsii
var. texana

Lophophora Williamsii var. texana also known as Lophophora Williamsii var. texensis is generally grown throughout the region of Texas and has quickly grown to be my personal favourite of the Williamsii family of plants. It has proven to have the best of germination rates so far, and is the easiest to grow, being quite possibly the hardiest variety I have tried yet. This variety can go through extremes of temperature lows and highs and it can also take an extreme lack of watering without harm, as well as huge amounts of water when it's in a state of growth without rotting. I have even purposely tried to rot a plant with too much water but when in the growing state, they just drink and grow.

The texana variety also seems to be the most prolific of the Williamsii family of plants, shooting new flowers regularly every couple of weeks or sooner, with seed pods sprouting as early as two weeks after the flower dries. The hardiness of this plant indicates a possibility of a greater concentration of mescaline in the long run, gram per gram compared to other varieties, which is possibly why it is the variety most often consumed by North American Indians during their ceremonies. The texana variety is also said to grow as a single head until later in life but I have found that they do tend to sprout pups at three to four years of age, or when they reach a size of five to six centimetres in diameter. In turn, this is my most highly recommended variety for the novice grower and a must for every collector to acquire.

Above: Lophohora Williamsii var. texana

Above: Lophohora Williamsii var. texana sales tray 4 to 5cm

Above: Fifteen month old Lophophora Williamsii var. texana seedlings

This specimen of Lophophora Williamsii var. texana was planted June 15, 2008 making it just short of five years of age. It is a wonderful example of the beauty of this variation. I must say that truly the texana is my favorite so far of all the plants I have that have fully matured. The texana variation has proven to be incredibly hardy, flowers more often than any other variation so far only being matched by those that are considered generic. they grow wonderfully large as shown by the example below measuring a full 10 centimetres in diameter plus its pup. the flowers grow wonderfully large, and specimens shoot pups freely I have noticed among all the others I have going as well as shooting more seeds than any other variation. For those looking for one of the easiest yet hardies specimens to grow this would be it... it is no wonder our Native American friends have been mostly using this variation found in Texas as it can stand a lot of abuse... I look forward to learning if this variation is hardier than the Big Bend specimens I have going... so far the texana variation is at the top of my list as a favorite due to its ease of growth, excellent germination rate, ability to flower and produce seed as well as shooting numerous pups from the main plants in order to produce beautiful multi plant arrangements.

Above: Lophophora Williamsii var. texana at 10 centimetres plus its pup, and just under five years of age.