The members of this genus, the "crest-bearers," are small, globose, or depressed globose cacti that grow from comparatively large, carrot-shaped taproots. The stem is about three inches in diameter but stands no more than two inches above the ground. Stems may be single or may branch from the base to form large clusters. Surfaces are blue-green and often glaucous. The plants have no spines after the early seedling stage. The ribs are broad and flat. The areoles are small and round with long white to yellowish wool that often persists, and the flowers are small, bell-shaped, and varied in color. In this genus the ovary and fruit are entirely naked, and the fruit remains always fleshy. The stems are ribbed. Monomorphic areoles produce the flowers from the apexes of young tubercles rather than from the axils. Peyote belongs to this genus. The main species which are currently recognized are Lophophora diffusa, Lophophora fricii and Lophophora williamsii (Peyote). Lophophora diffusa is a separate species from the known Lophophora williamsii and is found at a few locations in the Mexican state of Quer‚taro. It is rather scarcely found, compared to Lophophora williamsii (Peyote). Lophophora is a rather slow growing cactus species, native to Central Mexico and Texas. Lophophora williamsii, Lophophora diffusa and all other species and habitat variations grow in a great variety of locations within the Chihuahua desert. It can be found in the shade of bushes or in full sunlight on open spaces. Unfortunately Peyote plants are getting scarcer in nature. The best soil mix for adult Lophophora plants is: One part clay, one part regular potting soil (without peat), four parts coarse sand, three parts fine grit (1-3 mm), and a teaspoon of lime.