Reproduction:A Tale of Two Cacti
 Growth Cycle of peyote

    The picture above is one example of the growth rate for a typical plant. To see more photos visit Kada's Garden.

Lophophora williamsii will flower all year in favorable conditions; however their growth cycle rate is very slow. Most of the time, Reproduction occurs by sexual means. When the conditions are right for the plants to flower, and the ovules are fertilized during that season.  A year later, these ovules will mature forming the seed. The fruit which arises from the center of the plant is typically a pink or reddish shade. It is cylindrical in structure and usually around half an inch long. It usually takes a few weeks for these fruits to mature. After this happens, their walls dry, become extremely thin, and turn a brownish color. Over time, a climatic factor ruptures the fruit wall and many small black seeds are released. After this wind or rain wash the seeds out of the shrunken center of the plant and they are dispersed throughout the environment. The seeds are very tiny and dark, and tend to germinate during very hot and humid conditions, starting the long process over.  

Image of peyote with permission from Hector Milla on flickr.com   Image of flowering peyote with permission from Kada's Garden

In the wild, peyote takes between 3 and 15 years to reach the flowering stage. This is a long waiting period for someone who wants to utilize the plants. When peyote is cultivated under controlled ideal conditions this period is dramatically reduced. The first one or two centimeters of growth are the most time consuming. Once the plant reaches this mark, it grows at a much faster pace. On average, the plant will be no larger than 5 inches in diameter. The largest portion of the cactus remains underground in the root system. These roots are usually 30 cm. or more underground.  After the cactus reaches full maturity the crown, or portion of the cactus that grows above ground are cut above the roots. From there they may be dried, depending on their potential use. The root is always left behind in hopes that it will give rise to many new heads in the future.

 
An additional method of reproduction common in peyote is by asexual means. Many succulents, including
L. williamsii are self-fertile, meaning they do not require another plant to produce a seed. It is interesting that this is the only species within the genus that does this. So how does this happen? Many plants generate pups or lateral shoots which arise from the lateral areoles of the cacti.  It is important to take notice that these portions are genetically identical to their parents. Upon reaching sufficient size, this new growth is able to root and can survive when broke off. They can then successfully flourish into independent plants.

Image of Lophophora seed with permission from Kada's Garden


After learning about the reproductive strategies of L. williamsii  continue to the Interactions page, or return to the Homepage and explore on your own.