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Growers Notes... New Species or Not??

Lophophora Williamsii var. Los Tecolotes

Lophophora Williamsii var. Los Tecolotes from the area of Zacatecas Mexico, is another fine example of a northern type variation that grows picture perfect. This variety of Williamsii comes from one of the most western localities where plants grow on shallow slopes in rocky terrain and are said to grow as single heads. The twenty two month old plants pictured here below, are a prime example of not only how quickly this variation can mature and flower for you, but as can be seen by the dried seed pods, it is a very productive variation as well. This variety has a tendency to grow closer to the ground than some varieties, such as the grandiflora or texana variations and is lighter in colour with a greyish blue tinge to them.

The Los Tecolotes variety has excellent seed germination qualities and has so far proven to be quite hardy, which makes it an ideal specimen for the novice grower as well as those with a little more experience.

Above: Lophophora Williamsii var. Los Tecolotes

As can been seen in the pictures below this variation of Lophophora, L.W. var Los Tecolotes has truly presented itself as one of the most astounding plants I have growing. At only three years and ten months these beauties are averaging 10.5 centimetres in diameter. They are just as prolific as they began life, flowering every couple of weeks and shooting lots of fruit full of seed. Similar to the Menchaca variation I think this is one of the most beautiful variations growing picture perfect. I am totally excited to learn how much bigger these plants will grow. As can be seen in the picture below all three plants are sporting only eight ribs, but are now beginning their ultimate split producing thirteen ribs indicating full maturity as shown in the plant at the top of the picture. Their overall size once the rib split is complete should be something to talk about.

Above: Lophophora Williamsii var. Los Tecolotes averaging 10.5 centimetres in diameter

Here below is a better representation of the Lophophora Williamsii var. Los Tecolotes plant measuring a whopping 10.6 centimetres in diameter. As can be seen it is growing its new set of thirteen ribs indicating that it is reaching full maturity as thirteen is the maximum number of ribs any member of the Williamsii will grow... only the Diffusa family of plants grows more ribs, numbering as high as twenty one ribs per plant.

Above: Lophophora Williamsii var. Los Tecolotes splitting from eight ribs to thirteen ribs at 10.6 centimetres in diameter