Lophophora diffusa v. koehresii

Lophophora diffusa var. koehresii is probably the smallest  Lophophoras.
It has big pale pink flowers with darker midstrip.
 

Description: Globular spineless cactus with large tap root.
Stem: Up to 12 cm in diameter, it differs from the closely related L. diffusa by being a characteristically dark green colour.  It is also a smaller size, and the ribs are more strongly in relief.
Flowers: Pinkish to cream with a darker pink or brownish midrib, reaching over 3 cm in diameter.  Unlike the somewhat wider flower petals of L. diffusa and L. williamsii, this variety has unusually thin petals.  Like L. diffusa, it is also self-sterile and requires cross pollination to produce seed.
Fruit: Pink or white fruit

Cultivation: Slow growing, it requires half-shade in summer, full sun the rest of the year. Grow it in a narrow and deep container to accommodate the tap root.   They are very rot prone, so use highly gritty compost with much drainage.
Waterings should be rather infrequent, to keep the plant compact and not to become excessively elongated and unnatural in appearance.  Watering it properly is often difficult, because this plant tends to crack open or rot if over-watered. The fact that the plant retracts into the soil and assumes a grey-green colouring between waterings is perfectly natural, and doesn’t cause any damage.   Like other arid zone cacti, they require a dry and cool over-wintering; otherwise they may succumb to rot.  This also promotes flowering.  Assure good ventilation.
Propagation: Seeds.  Seeds should be sown in spring, in sterile cacti mix.  Cover with a humidity dome or plastic wrap and leave in a warm spot in 50-75% shade.  Fluctuating temperatures are best (ie. high day temperature and low night temperature), as they simulate the desert environment.  Keep constantly humid, as seedlings cannot survive if too dry. Seedlings will emerge in 7-21 days and can be grown in the same environment for a number of months.  Mulch with thin layer of small quartz gravel (1-2mm diameter).  This helps them stay upright, hinders algae growth and regulates moisture. As they get older, the watering can become less frequent. Potting up can be done when 5-10 mm in diameter.
 

Projecting tubercle

Scientific Name: Lophophora diffusa var. koehresii Riha 1996
Mesa Garden cat., Kaktusy, cf. Repert. Pl. Succ. (I. O. S.), 32 (3): 70-73; 47: 10 (1996 publ. 1997), 2001

Common Name: False peyote.
 

Origin:  Lophophora koehresii grows near the lagoon of Rio Verde, San Francisco, from Las Tablas to Palomas in the state of San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

Habitat: This species is mainly restricted to areas with alluvial soil.

Conservation status: Listed in CITES appendix 2.

Etymology: Named for the German nurseryman and cacti enthusiast, Gerhard Koehres.

This is a relative of Lophophora williamsii, the true Peyote. But  although this species has many morphological and chemical differences, it does not contain the same substances as L. williamsii, it is not narcotic, it is not specifically named in the law, and it's probably legal to possess (depending on local legislation)..

The fat underground tap-root greatly exceeds  the size of the aerial stem.
 

Lophophora diffusa v. koehresii
S. Francisco SLP
 

Photo of conspecific taxa, varieties, forms and cultivars of Lophophora diffusa.

• L. diffusa
• L. diffusa ssp. koehresii
• L. diffusa ssp. kubesai
• L. diffusa var. fricii