The Cactus Lophophora

Lophophora is well known cactus. When this is one of the most unusual family of cactus. The main feature is its complete lack of thistly. Instead they function to precipitate bundles perform coarse white fuzz, which crowned the large, sparsely located halo. They are due cactus botanical name - from Greek words lophos - forelock, fringe, and phoros - wear. It can be met mostly in Mexico. First representative of the kind described by Charles Antoine Lemaire, in 1840 under the name Echinocactus, only in 1894 John Coulter, introduced in botanical nomenclature name Lophophora, originating from the Greek words "lophos" - lock, forelock and "phero" - wear which characterizes the presence, especially in high part of the stem. Lofofora is one of the most unusual genera of the family cactus with quite scandalous reputation. To this day, its representatives continue to be pursued by the rumors, legends, cults and administrative sanctions. This increased interest is due to Lofoforite contained in the cell juice of these plants, the whole group of alkaloids, which, in use strongly affect on the nervous system of animals and humans. Indian medicine man knew the secrets in the preparation of sacred drink of plants collected from nature and have used it in the cult and ritual ceremonies, causing him to feel for a visit by the Great Spirit. " When not attributed to a shaman tips were penalized on at least attempt to try on wanted drink. Cult to Lofoforite or as they called Peyo, was preserved to our days, survivors Indian reserves and those who do not seek to communicate with the Great Spirit used by Lofofora infusion, mixed with herbs, which, like the leaves of chew coca in, resulted in calming the nervous system giving rise to a feeling of well-being and satisfaction. For narcotic properties are written Lofoforite heavy volumes, scientists from different countries and now work more than the production of innovative technologies for separation of cell mass of the plant meskalina, lofoforin, pelotin, anhalonidin and other alkaloids. Authorities in one of the states of the United States and Mexico not once have introduced bans on the sale and collection of Lofofori nature. Such prohibited act solely for the benefit of plants, as their places of distribution are becoming less and less.