Peyote

3/31/10

Lophophora williamsii, more commonly known as peyote, is a spineless cactus native to Mexico and the Southwest United States. Peyote contains several psychedelic alkaloids, most notably, mescaline. Mescaline is also found in the San Pedro cactus. The mescaline content in peyote ranges from about .04-6 percent. The part of the cactus growing above the ground, referred to as the “crown”, is made up of disc like buttons. These buttons are usually ingested or brewed into teas. When ingested, peyote can create mental effects, including altered states of feeling and perception. Peyote is described to have dream-like effects and tend to encourage introvert experiences. Peyote is an entheogen, a psychoactive substance used in religious ceremonies. Peyote has been used by indigenous American for religious and medicinal purposes for at least five and a half thousand years. Peyote is prohibited by federal law unless it is part of a “bonafide religious ceremony.” Many authors of the beat generation wrote about their experiences with peyote, including Allen Ginsburg. Ginsburg’s poem “Howl” was said to be inspired by his use of peyote. “A 2005 paper published in Biological Psychiatry outlines research into peyote use conducted by Dr. John Halpern. He found that peyote users scored significantly better than non-users on the "general positive affect" and "psychological well-being" measures of the Rand Mental Health Inventory (RMHI), a standard instrument used to diagnose psychological problems and determine overall mental health. By contrast, alcohol abusers did significantly worse than the control group (non-users) in all measures of the RMHI.”

Venus Flytrap

3/17/10
Venus flytrap

Dionaea muscipula, also known as Venus flytraps, have adapted to boggy areas of nutrient poor soil. Venus flytrap’s are carnivorous plants that use hairs on the surface of its leaves, which act as triggers, to spring a trap for their prey. The prey’s struggle only stimulates the trap tighter. Once a prey is trapped, digestive acids then form from glands on the leaf, and the prey is dissolved. The Dionaea muscipula is found in the swamps of the Carolina’s and requires a dormant period of 30-40 degrees, as the Carolina’s would provide around the winter season.

Cycas Revoluta (King Sago Palm)

The Cycas revoluta, more commonly known as the king sago palm is a gymnosperm conifer, and is not actually a palm, but rather a cycad. The sago originated in Japan, and dominated the landscape in the Mesozoic era. The sago is a great addition to any landscape type, and can be a lucrative plant if you are a patient cultivator. Although the sago’s growth is slow, it can grow over 12 feet tall taking up to 50 years. The sago strives in areas of warm to tropical temperatures with high rain fall in full sun or partial shade. It should be planted in an area of good drainage and in soil with little alkaline content.

Cycas Revoluta (King Sago Palm)

The Cycas revoluta, more commonly known as the king sago palm is a gymnosperm conifer, and is not actually a palm, but rather a cycad. The sago originated in Japan, and dominated the landscape in the Mesozoic era. The sago is a great addition to any landscape type, and can be a lucrative plant if you are a patient cultivator. Although the sago’s growth is slow, it can grow over 12 feet tall taking up to 50 years. The sago strives in areas of warm to tropical temperatures with high rain fall in full sun or partial shade. It should be planted in an area of good drainage and in soil with little alkaline content.