Peyote cactus seeds

Mesoamerican grave goods already attest to the use of this small, round cactus in American history around 200 BC. It grows singly or in groups. It develops 4 to 14 ribs and bears no thorns but tufts of soft, yellowish hairs. Peyote contains 50 different alkaloids, or secondary plant compounds, some of which are beneficial and some not. The mescaline it contains has hallucinogenic effects and is likely the reason for its popularity. Used by Mexican shamans for healing and clairvoyance, as well as against hunger, thirst, and fatigue, it spread to the indigenous peoples of North America. With the arrival of Christians in the early 20th century, mescaline was abandoned in Mexico and replaced by tequila. Alternative names include peyote, challote, mescal, or boozehead.

Natural habitat: The American state of Texas and northern Mexico.