Lophophora jourdaniana
Lophophora jourdaniana is a clustering, cultivated-origin member of the genus Lophophora, closely affiliated with peyote (Lophophora williamsii) and of uncertain — most likely hybrid — parentage. It is prized by collectors for two unusual traits: young areoles that carry small, persistent spines (a feature usually lost as ordinary Lophophora matures), and comparatively deep rose-violet flowers.
Because it is maintained vegetatively and does not come true from seed, L. jourdaniana is best understood as a horticultural clone or cultivar rather than a wild species. It has never been convincingly located in the wild, and many growers treat it as a garden hybrid or selected form circulating in cultivation. Its care follows that of the parent group; see Lophophora williamsii and the Lophophora genus page.
Description
Lophophora jourdaniana forms a soft, blue-green to grey-green button that clusters freely, offsetting from the base to build up domed clumps over time. Like other members of the genus the body is ribbed and tuberculate, with woolly areoles set along the ribs. Its most distinctive feature is spination: on juvenile growth and fresh offsets the areoles bear tiny, weak spines, which are typically absent or vestigial in ordinary Lophophora. These spines tend to be shed as the individual heads age.
The flowers open from the woolly crown and are a noticeably richer rose-violet than the pale pink typical of L. williamsii. Because the plant is grown as a clone, it is normally increased vegetatively rather than from seed so that its distinctive traits are preserved.
Cultivation
Grow L. jourdaniana as you would the parent species — see Lophophora williamsii for full detail. In short: a very free-draining, mostly mineral mix, bright light with some shade from the fiercest afternoon sun, and careful watering with a full dry-out between drinks and a dry winter rest. Overwatering and a slow, water-retentive substrate are the usual causes of rot in the genus.
The plant is naturally slow but clumps readily, so it lends itself well to vegetative increase. As with all Lophophora, many growers use a fleshy rootstock to speed up young or recovering plants; see Grafting. Refer to Repotting for general handling of the fragile, tuberous root.
Propagation
Because it is a cultivated clone of uncertain, probably hybrid origin, L. jourdaniana does not come true from seed and is propagated vegetatively. Offsets can be removed once they have their own developing roots or a firm base, allowed to callus, and rooted like other cactus offsets. Grafting is also widely used to bulk up material quickly. Seed propagation is uncommon and, where seed is produced at all, seedlings will not reliably reproduce the clone's traits.
Legal status
Lophophora jourdaniana is closely affiliated with peyote and, like the entire cactus family, is listed under CITES Appendix II, which regulates international trade. Because it is treated as a form or relative of Lophophora williamsii, it is frequently caught by the same national and regional controls that apply to peyote — in some jurisdictions the plant itself is restricted or prohibited to cultivate, possess, or sell, while in others ornamental Lophophora are traded freely.
Regulations vary widely by country and by state or province and can change, so growers should verify the current rules that apply where they live before acquiring or moving plants. This article is horticultural reference only and contains no guidance on any non-horticultural use.
See also
- Lophophora williamsii — the affiliated parent species
- Lophophora — the genus overview
- Grafting · Soil and potting mix · Watering · Propagation — offsets · Repotting