Lophophora diffusa, also known as false peyote, is a spineless cactus in the Cactaceae family. It is endemic to Mexico, to a very small area. This species contains zero to trace amounts of mescaline. Pellotine, whose psychoactive effects are comparatively minimal, is the principal alkaloid. The species name diffusa refers to the flat tubercles that are outspread without the plant having prominent ribs.
Read more about this species in the Sacred Cacti blog written by Keeper Trout.
Martin Terry contributed to the IUCN assessment for this species, where it is cuttently classified as vulnerable. Lophophora diffusa is considered Vulnerable due its very limited range (extent of occurrence 300 km²), its occurrence in less than ten locations, its small population size (less than 3,000 individuals), and an ongoing decline in mature individuals due to illegal collecting. There has been a decline of at least 30% in the last 20 years, and three generations is estimated to be approximately 10-15 years.